Richard E. "Dick" Rinker

Richard E. Rinker, 86, of New Carlisle, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 17, 2025. He was born April 14, 1938, in Springfield, the son of the late Harold and Louisa (Schulte) Rinker. Dick was a 1956 Graduate of Tecumseh High School. During high school, he attained the first State and American Farmer Degree for the Tecumseh Chapter of the FFA. Dick participated in the first-ever Calf Scramble at the Clark County Fair and caught a calf. He met the love of his life Carol Compton in 1957 and later married in 1961. He served in the Ohio National Guard for six years. Dick was a lifetime farmer with his brother Bob, together they operated a Pioneer Seed Dealership. Dick had a strong faith, was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he served on the finance committee and as an usher. He co-founded and was an advisor for the Valley Livestock 4-H club. Dick was a past-president of the Clark County 4-H Committee and was a member of the Clark County Historical Society. Throughout his life he always supported future generations of farmers, lending his time to many organizations and projects. Most of all he loved his family and enjoyed the many family gatherings. Dick is survived by his wife of 63 years Carol (Compton) Rinker; daughters Sharon (David) Pendleton and Marilyn (Scott) Fries; brother Bob (Robbie) Rinker; grandchildren Valerie (Nick) Quinones, Natalie (Eddie) Drow, Lindsay (fiancé Eddy Hinojosa) Fries, Brice Fries, and Trent Fries; great-grandchildren Vivian, Lucas, Eleanor, and Abigail; several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, James (Reba) Rinker. Visitation will be held Monday, February 24, 2025, from 4-7 pm at Trostel, Chapman, Dunbar & Fraley Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held to honor Dick on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Carlisle. Burial will follow in Enon Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.trostelchapman.com.