Darrell Rhinehart

Darrell Howard Rhinehart, 70, of Chillicothe, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2006, at Mt. Carmel West Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was born October 10, 1935, in Ross Co. to Howard J. and Ruth A. Stroup Rhinehart. Darrell graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1953 and began working at Mead Corporation immediately after graduation. The highlight of his career with Mead was being a member of the team that developed the carbonless paper concept. Darrell loved hunting, fishing, and collecting guns. He especially enjoyed watching his sons play football and baseball during their pre-teen and high school years. He was gifted in the arts, both acting in many Chillicothe Civic Theatre productions, participating in the Junior Civic League Annual Follies, and producing lovely ceramic and wood pieces. Darrell was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church, Sons of the American Revolution, and the Mead Retirees Organization. Darrell married the love of his life, Joyce Peck, on April 11, 1957. Together they had three children: Randal (Karen) Rhinehart, Chillicothe; Dr. Stephen Rhinehart (and his fiancée Colleen McConnell), of Circleville; and Gretchen Rhinehart, Marysville. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Nathan, Daniel, and Andrew Helsel; Lindsey Miller; and Nicholas and Zachary Rhinehart; his mother Ruth Stroup Rhinehart; brothers Jimmie, of Columbus; Gary (Cindy), Hollywood, FL; and a sister Brenda (Charlie) Gillum, Chillicothe; nephews Jimmy Rhinehart, Nathan and Aaron Gillum; and a niece Treva Rhinehart. Also mourning his passing are his beloved dogs Lily and Simon. He was predeceased by his father, Howard Rhinehart; mother-in-law and father-in-law Edith and Howard Peck; and numerous aunts and uncles. Darrell and Joyce loved traveling together, especially to the beaches of North Carolina. A Celebration of Darrell's life will be held 1:00pm Monday at Haller Funeral Home with Pastor Joel Hess of Our Savior Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8pm Sunday at Haller Funeral Home. Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 151 University Dr., Chillicothe.