Ruel Rinehart

Born July 9, 1923 to Arthur and Beatrice Moore Rinehart, Ruel Rinehart left his earthly home on Friday, May 16, 2014. He now is at peace with our Lord, all the angels and his beloved wife, Betty Robinson Rinehart. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Thomas and Edward, sisters Vivian, Minnie, Rhoda and Irmajean. Surviving are his daughters Judith Rinehart Snyder of Vincennes and Estero, Florida, and Cynthia Rinehart Payson of Indianapolis, son-in-law James Snyder, grandsons Lev Payson of Indianapolis, Mark Mineo, currently serving at the US Consulate in Spain and granddaughter Chrysa Mineo, her husband Mark Stephenson and great-grandsons, Oliver and Matthew Stephenson of San Diego. Also, surviving are many nephews and nieces, especially Tom Johnson of Monroe who was with his uncle often during his last days. Ruel was born at home into a family of many siblings. He grew up during the "great depression", never forgetting the lessons learned during those days of frugality and simplicity. Ruel was a proud World War II veteran who enlisted in the US Army Air Corps at George Field in late 1942, going on to marry Betty Robinson on January 15, 1943. He was deployed to Europe when daughter Judith was only 3 months old. He served honorably in England and Germany, including compassionately dispersing a truckload of rations he was transporting from England to Germany along the countryside to recently liberated but starving French citizens. Upon his discharge from the Army Air Corps and return to Vincennes in December, 1945, Ruel attended barber school in Indianapolis. Daughter Cynthia was born soon after and the family was complete. Ruel "held court" at many shops during his career as a barber. He started his career at the old Grand Hotel and ended it just a few days before his death at his Alley Barbershop. Several generations of Vincennes residents have had the pleasure of Ruel's tonsorial talents along with his astute political commentaries. One of Ruel's favorite stories concerned then Governor Matthew Welsh. The governor, a long-time customer, when home in Vincennes would come into the shop and ask Ruel how things were going in the state. He knew that Ruel had his finger on the heartbeat of the people and knew all the gossip. Up until his death, Ruel still had a few remaining loyal customers from his first days as a barber. We were all especially blessed listening in on the conversations between Ruel and other WWII veterans as he cut their hair and they shared stories of their service to our county. Ruel also was a painter and for some years enjoyed that occupation. Even in his later years former clients would ask him to please consider painting for them as he was such a perfectionist and his work ethic had no equal. Ruel and his family had attended United Brethern Church and later he served as a deacon at Ridgecrest Baptist church. He had been a member of the VFW, American Legion, a Kentucky Colonel and served as Worshipful Master and held other positions in the order of Freemasons as well as the Order of Eastern Star. During his lifetime he turned down the opportunity to serve at the state level in government, in private business and other areas of enterprise, preferring to remain in his hometown and in his roots. Ruel was a devoted and tender caregiver to his wife Betty during the last years of her life, and he was proud of their nearly 65 year marriage. Ruel was a man so sensitive, he could become easily homesick for Vincennes while taking a short drive over to Terra Haute. Ruel embodied the meaning of the phrase spoken by Polonius in Shakespeare's Hamlet, "to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man". Mark Mineo, his grandson stated that "papa was the kindest and gentlest man I have ever known". His granddaughter Chrysa remembers him as the best Papa anyone could ask for, with special fondness for his uniquely ironic sense of humor, his simulated reindeer landings on the roof at the Christmases of her childhood, saving wounded butterflies at the barber shop, and giving her twin boys haircuts while playfully asking her "which boy she liked better". He and his grandson Lev "Bud" were best buddies. Lev learned to climb, not on a jungle gym, but on train cars under the loving supervision of his Paps. They both had a passion for trains and "big rigs" and spent many happy hours "checking out" both. Daughter Cindi has a lifetime of cherished memories of her mother and father. Judith and son-in-law Jim have had the blessing of spending quality time with Ruel while residing in Vincennes the past three summers. He was (is) a legend and will be missed by all who knew, respected and loved him. Ruel was many things - an extraordinary patriot, a loving husband, father and grandfather, a kind and generous man and a true gentleman. He loved animals and had many pets throughout his lifetime. He often wished he could save all the abused, homeless and neglected dogs and cats. His heart was big and generous. He never gave up on wanting to live and trying to make a difference in people's lives. God has called him home. His barber shop is now open again and the angels are lined up for the best haircut in heaven.The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and all the staff of both Good Samaritan Hospital and Bridgepointe for their care and comfort of our father during his illness. He was grateful as are we.A memorial service to celebrate the life of Ruel Rinehart will be held at Goodwin Funeral Home on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 2 pm. The family will recieve guests from 1-2 pm prior to the service.In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to one of the following organizations or a charity of choice:Knox County Humane Society405 C Main StVincennes, Ind 47591 or online Alzheimer's AssocPO Box 96011Washington, DC 20090-6011 or online American Heart AssocAHA/ASA3816 Payshere CirChicago, Ill 60674 or online