Dana G. "Buck" Rinehart

Dana G. “Buck” Rinehart passed away peacefully on February 18, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Buck was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was born February 24, 1946 in Parkersburg, W.Va.

Preceded in death by his father Paul G. Rinehart, mother Kathleen Gillman Rinehart and sister Carole Jane Rinehart.

Buck served this country for 37 years as a Marine and retired as a Major. He proudly demonstrated his loyalty to the Corps with personalized license plates, “LTHRNK”. He was always faithful.

Buck first served in public office as Franklin County Treasurer from 1976-1983. The ride did not end there. At the young age of 37, he was elected as the 50th Mayor of Columbus. Buck’s energy was evident when he took center stage the night he was elected Mayor and announced, “Christopher Columbus discovered America—watch out America you are about to discover Columbus, Ohio.” And he worked tirelessly to make that a reality.

During his terms as Mayor, I-670 from downtown to Port Columbus was completed, a $28 million downtown safety building was erected, the Franklin County Solid Waste Authority was established, the redevelopment of the Short North and the Brewery District got under way, the Martin Luther King Center was developed and City Center mall was planned and completed. Buck also paved the way to bring giant pandas to the Columbus Zoo, and brought auto racing downtown with the start of the Columbus 500

Buck’s love for his family was always his top priority, but there is no denying his love for Columbus was not far behind. Many times he could be heard saying, “I am hopelessly and helplessly in love with the City of Columbus.”

Buck was recently recognized for his service as Columbus’ 50th Mayor by the dedication of the Public Utilities Complex in his honor. Following his years in office, Buck founded the Rinehart, Rishel & Cuckler law firm, which continues to practice government law today.

In the end, Buck settled comfortably into private life. But as he said, “you can’t take the Buck out of Buck.”

Buck is survived by his loving wife of 23 years Brenda, children Dana G. “Gil” Rinehart, Jr. (Samantha), Jenna Morgan (Michael), Jonathan Rinehart, (Marci), Lincoln Patrick Rinehart and Luke Matteson, grandchildren, Andy, Casey, Audrey, Caroline, Maggie, Shelbi and Jake, a sister Cindi Rinehart Brooks, brother Paul “Skip” Rinehart, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00-6:00 pm at Schoedinger Funeral Home, 6699 North High Street. Funeral services will be Monday 11a.m. at New Hope Reformed Church, 4739 West Powell Road, Powell, Ohio 43065. Private interment with family only to follow at Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the New Hope Church Endowment Fund or the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in honor of Buck.