Morris D. Rinesmith, age 81, of Prospect, died peacefully on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at home.
On August 13, 1935, Morris was born in Marion, Ohio, the youngest of eight children of the late Herman and Flossie (Slagle) Rinesmith. Losing his parents at an early age, he was raised by his siblings and his aunt and uncle in Lake Maxinkuckee, Indiana.
Shortly following high school, Morris enlisted to serve in the Air National Guard from 1958 to 1960, training at the armory in Mansfield, Ohio.
While serving in the National Guard, Morris married Patricia Esterline in August of 1959, and together they had two daughters: Tracy and Julie.
Morris worked at the River Valley High School as a custodian for eight years, until getting his foot in the door at the General Telephone and Electric Corporation. He worked at GTE for over thirty years in their maintenance department, until he retired.
Proud to be an American, Morris was a devoted patriot for his country and a staunch Republican. He also was a member of the NRA and the Marilyn Monroe fan club.
With a love for the outdoors, Morris enjoyed gardening, planting a variety of flowers to appreciate around his home. He also loved bird watching, with many feeders right outside his window.
A great handyman, there wasn’t anything Morris couldn’t build or fix. In his wood workshop, he enjoyed making rocking horses for his granddaughter and lawn chairs for his nieces and nephews. He also loved helping his daughter make Christmas ornaments and gifts.
Having a huge heart for his family, Morris was the best Dad, Paw Paw and brother they could have asked for. They never had to ask him for help, he was always there to give them the helping hand they needed. They will forever miss his everything about him…his ornery smile, his tender heart, and on and on.
Left to cherish his memory are his two beloved daughters: Tracy (Ron) Cumberledge and Julie (David) Hinton; an adored granddaughter, Whitney Hinton; a precious great-granddaughter, Cambryn Dietrich; numerous nieces and nephews; his extended family: Pam (George) Spencer and their daughter, Misty; and his special friend, Doris Shoewalter.
Including his parents, Morris was preceded in death by his companion of twelve years, Nettie Parsons; and all seven of his siblings: Ralph Rinesmith, Evelyn McKenzie, Jeannette Baughman, Bill Rinesmith, Betty Hunt Buckingham, and Robert and Jack Rinesmith.
His family will greet friends from 5 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, at the Gunder/Hall & Snyder Funeral Home, 347 W. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating his life will follow there at 7 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date in Marion Cemetery. Morris’ wish would be for everyone to come as you are, dressed comfortably, especially since he never liked getting dressed up for funerals.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Prospect Lions Club, and they may be sent to the funeral home.
Gunder/Hall & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Morris’ family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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