Obituary

With broken hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Robert “Bob” Paul Rhinehart, Jr., 78, of South Charleston, WV, on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Bob was born on December 13, 1946, to parents Robert Rhinehart and Cordelia Lawson in Charleston. He grew up in the communities of Kanawha City and South Charleston and graduated from South Charleston High School in 1964. He started college at WV State College (now University) prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army. As a Spec 4, he served in Germany and was a proud Viet Nam veteran.

After his military discharge, Bob finished his Bachelor’s degree at WV State College courtesy of the G.I. Bill. As a lifelong student and learner, he continued graduate work in advanced mathematics, as well as vocational training as a carpenter, electrician and auto mechanic.

In his younger days, Bob was an avid bicycle rider, participating in many rides with the Mountain State Wheelers. He also enjoyed exercise in many forms, including aerobics and weight lifting. Bob made friends easily and enjoyed his time with them, especially at Kanawha Valley Senior Services meals and activities after his retirement and return to WV.

Bob is survived by his loving daughters, Holly Rhinehart of Charleston and Christa Greto (John) of Warner Robins, GA. He also leaves behind former wives, Karen Rhinehart of Charleston and Teri Richardson of Sanford, NC; daughter-in-law, Melissa Kinjo of Okinawa, Japan; sisters, Davina Durham (Dale) of Winfield, WV, and Nicole (Miro) Valent of Leesburg, FL; cousins, Leann Pinney of Charleston, Sam Rhinehart of Akron, OH, Trina Cunningham (Shane) of Parkersburg, WV, and Cassanda Cunningham (Zack) of Vincent, OH, and special friends, Sara Davis of Charleston and Bernice Hair of South Charleston, WV. Bob will be missed by many other friends and family members, too numerous to list.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Rhinehart of Charleston and Cordelia Lawson of South Charleston; stepparents, James Lawson of South Charleston, Rachel Rhinehart of Charleston and Tressie Rhinehart of Charleston, and his sister, Jamey Snyder of Charleston. Bob’s hardest loss was his precious son and namesake, Robert Paul Rhinehart III, “Robby,” in 2009.

Visiting time will be from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, with Minister Donnie Pauley speaking at 10:30 a.m., at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia Street, East, Charleston, WV.

Bob will be laid to rest with military honors at 12:00 noon at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar, WV. If you choose to come to the cemetery only, please arrive by noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Robby Rhinehart Memorial Scholarship fund. Checks can be made payable to Jeff Wrestling (noting the Rhinehart scholarship) and mailed to Shayla Shepherd, 744 S. Forrest Drive, Sellersburg, IN 47172. Envelopes will be available at the funeral or you may give your donation to Holly or Karen to forward.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.