Jerel "Jay" L. Rinehart

Jerel "Jay" L. Rinehart, 75, of Huntington, passed away at 3:32 am Saturday, August 23, 2025 at his residence. Jay was born on April 1, 1950 in Huntington, IN, the son of Cleon Rinehart and Edna (Reed) Rinehart. He graduated from Huntington High School with the Class of 1968 and married Karen M. Kusmierski Kay on September 18, 2004 in Huntington, IN. He retired as a Sales Rep/Account Specialist from Kimball Midwest after 23 years of service. Jay was a proud Veteran of the United States Army serving during the Vietnam War from November 8, 1968 to November 5, 1971 as a MASH Medic where he obtained the rank of Specialist 5. He was a member of St. Peters First Community Church, was Past President of the Huntington Lions Club and a member of the Carlisle Crossing HOA. He had a life long love for cars, including scale models, since being a child. Jay also enjoyed landscaping design and jazz music. He never met an animal he didn't like and enjoyed all of the animals he raised over the years, especially his cat Sheena and dog Samantha. Survivors include his loving Wife, Karen M. Rinehart of Huntington, IN; Son, Jeremy L. (Leah) Rinehart of Ft. Wayne, IN; Daughter, Anna (Jason) Rich of Claypool, IN; Two Step-Sons, Nicholas (Amanda) McNew of Lansing, MI, Brandon McNew of Huxley, IA; Three Step-Daughters, Michelle (Bo) Leslie of Tampa, FL, Jana Krueger of Charlotte, NC; Jill (Mike Ward) Krueger of Huntington, IN; Seven Grandchildren, Brennan Rinehart and Amelia Rinehart, both of Ft. Wayne, IN, Aerial Carrillo of Roann, IN, Ava (Braxton Davis) Rich, Porter, Cassie, and Tessa Rich, all of Claypool, IN; Six Step-Grandchildren, Zachary and Caroline McNew of Lansing, MI, Melissa and Troy McNew of IA, Elise and Ayla Leslie of Tampa, FL. He was preceded in death by his Father, Cleon Rinehart, Mother, Edna Marie Rinehart, and Sister, Octa Regina Rinehart. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Saturday, August 30, 2025 at St. Peter's First Community Church, 206 Etna Avenue, Huntington, IN. Funeral services will be held at 5:00 pm Saturday, August 30, 2025 at St. Peter's First Community Church with Pastor Brooks Fetters officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter's First Cemetery in Huntington. Preferred memorials may be made in memory of Jay to the St. Peters First Community Church or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, in care of Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Jerel "Jay" L. Rinehart.

Jerel "Jay" L. Rinehart

April 1, 1950 - August 23, 2025