Martin Paul Rinehart of Rolla, MO passed away Saturday morning, December 2, 2023.  He was 88 years of age.

He was born January 21, 1935 in St. James, MO, the son of Herchell and Augusta (Skouby) Rinehart.

He attended grade school at Redbird, Oak Grove, and Royal.  He received his diploma from St. James High School in 1952, a Bachelor's degree from Southwest Missouri State, and a Master's degree from Drury in Springfield.

On December 18, 1965 in St. James, he was united in marriage to Patricia Ann (Dierberg) Rinehart.

Survivors include one son, Scott Rinehart and wife, Angie of Columbia, MO and one daughter, Karen Jones and husband, Dean of Salem, MO; four grandchildren: Colby Rinehart, Martin Jones, Lindsay Rinehart, and Katherine Jones; sister-in-law, Betty Rinehart; and TONS of nieces and nephews who he loved and enjoyed dearly.

Martin Rinehart is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patty; brothers: Morris Branstetter, William Rinehart, James Rinehart, Hansen Rinehart, Thomas Rinehart, and Jesse Rinehart; sister, Mary (Rinehart) Frost; sisters-in-law: Francis Branstetter, Kathleen Rinehart, Fern Rinehart, and Mary Belle Rinehart; and one brother-in-law, Garth Frost.

Martin served in the Air Force for 4 years and was an educator for 30 years.  He taught in Rolla, MO for 2 years; Washington, MO for 5 years; Assistant Principal at Rolla Freshman High 4 years; Principal at Rolla Freshman High 6 years; and then taught math at Rolla Junior High for 13 years.  Throughout the years, he also worked various summers at Boys Town in St. James, and was Director and Counselor at Little Prairie Bible Camp.  Following his career as an educator, Martin served as Associate Minister of the Rolla Church of Christ for 10 years.

Martin was an active member of the Rolla Church of Christ.  He served as a Deacon and an Elder for several years and taught Bible class and children's Day School.  His hobbies and interests revolved around church activities, piddling around the garage, his children (Little League coach, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, home tutor, constant encouragement), and grandchildren.  He was a caring man of God who had a positive influence on so many people as a Christian and Educator.

Martin Rinehart will lie in state from 5-7 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James.

Funeral Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 9th, 2023 at the Jones Funeral Home with Andy Cassidy officiating. Ty Kalisz will read the obituary. Jeff McKune will have the closing prayer, and Congregational Singing will be led by Robert Rinehart. Burial will be in the family plot at the Oak Grove Cemetery near St. James. Memorials may be made to the Oak Grove Cemetery.

All arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James.