Dates
Don "Pop" Raymond Rinehart entered the presence of the Lord February 10, 2025, at the age of 79.
A devoted follower of Christ, he leaves a legacy defined by family, love, laughter, strength, and hard work. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he will be tremendously missed. Don was born on February 8, 1946, to Bill E. Rinehart and Sybil (Charles) Rinehart in Gladewater, Texas. After spending much of his youth in Gladewater, Don attended and graduated from Buena Vista High School in Imperial, Texas. Soon, thereafter, Don returned to Gladewater prior to enlisting in United States Air Force. Don proudly served as a crew chief, "Voodoo Medicine Man" on the photo reconnaissance /fighter jet F-101 Voodoo at Tan Son Nhut Air Base during the height of the Vietnam War in 1968-1969. Serving his country along with being a Vietnam Veteran was a source of immense pride for Don.
Upon leaving the military, Don married the love of his life Debra L. Harter on March 23, 1972, and soon relocated to Eldorado where they raised their children Lisa and Wade. From that time on, Don worked in the oil and gas industry as an operator, measurement technician and measurement supervisor for 40 years before retiring at the age of 66 in 2012. For those who had the privilege of knowing and working with Don, all will give testament to his unequaled work ethic, dedication and sense of humor.
After retirement, nothing made Don happier than spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. To that his close seconds would be meticulously maintaining his lawn and landscape or riding his Harley. His yearly trips with Debbie to the biker rally in Ruidoso, New Mexico was something they both enjoyed tremendously.
He is survived by his wife, Debra Rinehart, daughter Lisa Gibson and husband Kary, son Wade Rinehart and wife Ginger all of Eldorado, Tx; grandson, Jaymie O'Harrow and wife Polli of Dripping Springs; grandson, Jackson O'Harrow and wife Mikayla of Eldorado; granddaughter, Stormi Rinehart and husband Jared Romine of Conroe; granddaughter, Alyssa Rinehart of San Angelo; great-granddaughters Avery and Scarlett O'Harrow; brother, Charles Rinehart and wife Nancy of Gladewater; sister, Nancy Snider and husband Jessie of San Angelo; brother, Lloyd Rinehart and wife Vanessa of San Angelo.
Don will be reunited with his mother Sybil, sister Elaine, and brothers Kenneth, Karl, and Bill in Heaven.
A celebration of Don's life will be held at 1:00 PM, February 22, 2025, at the Eldorado Cemetery Chapel in Eldorado, Texas. The family will have a private burial service at Union Grove Cemetery in Gladewater, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the Schleicher County Nursing Home and Concho Heart Hospice. Their care and compassion during this difficult time gave much comfort to Pop and our family. The family invites donations in his memory in lieu of flowers to these organizations or a church of your choosing.
He is now at peace in the arms of his Savior.
John 3:16: "For God so love the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."