Dr. William E. Rhinehart

Doctor William Evans Rhinehart, 99, of Steubenville, Ohio, died in the hospital on July 29 after suffering a fall at home. 

Born 1924 in Newcastle, WY, he moved with his family to Steubenville as a child, where he lived in the area for the rest of his amazing life. 

He graduated from Wintersville High School, attended OSU, served in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945, returned to OSU and graduated from dental school in 1952.  He maintained a dental practice in Steubenville from 1952 to 1987.

As a young man, he was an Eagle Scout, and held numerous jobs including horse wrangling at his father’s riding stable in Wintersville, boy scout camp counselor, racetrack bar tender, bread delivery, and gas station attendant, among others.

His paternal family has lived in Jefferson County since the early 1800s commencing which his third great-grandfather who relocated from Maryland and Pennsylvania.  He is also a descendant of the Winters (of Wintersville) family, as well as the Reed family.

In 1947 “Wilbur”, as he was known to friends and family, married Mary Eleanor McDowell, who preceded him in death.  They were a devoted couple for 70 years, raising a large active family of 6 children.

He will be especially remembered for his steadfast devotion and the loving care he provided to Mary during her difficult final years.

In addition to Mary, Bill is preceded in death by brothers George and Stanley.

He is survived by sister Vivian Jane Rhinehart Votaw, and six children: Marjorie Kathryn Combs (Bernie), William McDowell Rhinehart (Suzanne Knauerhase), Nancy Leonora Garrison (Brent), John (Jack) Allen Rhinehart, Holly Jane Rhinehart (Kevin Taliani), and Ross David Rhinehart (Kathy), twelve grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Dr. Rhinehart was a trustee of the First United Presbyterian Church of Steubenville, served on the Board of Education of the Steubenville City Schools, was a member of the Steubenville Rotary Club, Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, Order of the Symposiarchs, the Eastern Ohio Dental Society, and other professional and civic organizations. He was a long time member of the Steubenville Country Club and the Atwood Yacht Club.

A lifelong people-person, he and Mary knew the life history and family trees of many, many local residents.  As a keen observer with a great memory, he knew every landmark on the hundreds of roads, towns, and cities he and Mary traveled as avid RVers for over 40 Summers.

A great follower of all things Ohio State, he loved to golf, sail, drive, and yak with anyone who crossed his path.  He was fascinated by aircraft, especially the many different planes he actually flew, and he was always interested in horses. 

Most of all, our dad, Bill Rhinehart, was a loving and devoted family man and we’ll always appreciate his helping us grow into happy and healthy humans.

Memorial services will be held at First Westminster Presbyterian Church, 235 North Fourth Street, Steubenville, Ohio on Saturday, August 19, 2023, 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Jason Elliott officiating.

Visitation one-half hour prior to services.

In lieu of flowers, family suggests donation to First Westminster Presbyterian Church in Steubenville.

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