Robert "Bob" L Rinehart Sr.

MSgt (Retired) Robert “Bob” Lewis Rinehart, 87, was surrounded by his family when he went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 9, 2016. Bob was born on July 3, 1929, in Parkersburg West Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert Oliver Rinehart and Loma Istrene McPherson Rinehart; his wife, Jacqueline C. Rinehart; his step-son, William V. Poppler; and his step-daughter Yvonne M. LaPila. He is survived by his brother, Lynn (Joy) Rinehart of Columbus, OH; son, SGM, Robert L. (Alicia) Rinehart, Jr.; step-daughter Jacqueline C. (David) Germain; and step-son Howard M. (Debbie) Poppler; four grandchildren, Shelby V. (Jill) McIntyre, Koren L. Rinehart, Rachel C. Poppler, and Crystal Workman; and great-granddaughter Sara N. McIntyre. In addition to his Tampa and Ohio family, he is survived by his extended family in West Virginia. Bob had fond memories of his life in the Parkersburg, VA area. As a child of the depression he would tell stories about the life and times of his extended family, his cherished friends, and then his adventures in the Air Force. He always said he had a great life. He was a graduate of Parkersburg High School, and attended Marietta College in Ohio. In July 1947, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps just before it became the U.S. Air Force in September of 1947. He was a Viet Nam Veteran, and a Systems Analyst who assisted with the creation of the first Air Force computerized personnel system in the early 70s. After 30 years of distinguished service, he retired in December 1977. Upon his retirement he went to work for the Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court from 1979 through 1993 as a Systems Analyst. During his military assignment to MacDill Air Force Base in the 1960s, he met and married the love of his life, “Jackie,” and became dad to her four children. It was a wild time, but Bob took it all in stride. In 1968, his only child, Robert “Bobby” L. Rinehart, Jr. was born and he and Jackie had the best times of their lives. From the beginning Bob was a hands-on father, changing diapers, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, baseball, bowling, guiding and loving Bobby and then releasing him to join the Army, seeing him retire after 25 years, and return home to Tampa. He would tell you some of the happiest times of his life were times spent with Jackie, family gatherings, the last three years he spent with Bobby and his family, and returning to West Virginia for his family reunions. Bob was a loving and devoted husband and unfailing partner and caretaker to Jackie until her death in 2012. He was also a loving and devoted son, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Also called “Papa Bob,” he treated all with equal love, respect and affection, and only wanted the best in life for us. He loved God, life, people, travel, was an avid reader, a sports fan, family genealogist, and a patriot. He was an amazing dad, a great story-teller, compassionate, humble, grateful, caring, intelligent, quick witted and strong. He was a confidant and a counselor that touched many lives. If you asked him to do something or if you needed something, his first words were “no problem.” Most importantly, Bob was a Christian example for all. He was a long time member of the Manhattan Avenue United Methodist Church and a Gideon. Bob was devoted to his friends, especially his friends at the church. There were many positions in the church that Bob filled over the years. He will be remembered for his deep faith and kindness. The family extends their deepest gratitude to friends who provided their prayers, love and support to the end, especially his neighbors Carren and Harold Hudson and his pastor, Dr. Hank Galloway. We know a special place in heaven was reserved for Bob. We are at peace knowing that he is holding hands with the ones he loved. Bob loved unconditionally and he was loved. He will be missed by all. Bob will be buried next to his Jackie in the Bushnell National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida at a later date. A funeral service will be held Saturday at 11:00 am, November 19, 2016, at the Manhattan Avenue United Methodist Church, officiated by Dr. Hank Galloway. A reception will be held following the service in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bob’s name, to the Manhattan Avenue United Methodist Church, 4511 S. Manhattan Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33611.