A Memorial Service will be held in Don’s honor on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:00 AM, with a Visitation starting at 10:00 AM, at the McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City, MO 64119, with Jeffery Adair, of Heartland Church of Christ, officiating. Following the memorial service, a Celebration of Don’s life will be held at Pat’s Pub, 1315 Swift Street, North Kansas City, MO 64116. A family burial will follow after Don’s favorite time of year…deer hunting season.
Don was born in Browning, MO to Harold “Buster” Jerden and Alma Irene (Baker) Rinehart on September 14, 1933. He attended college at Chillicothe Business School where he became a Stenographer. He worked overnight as a baggage handler for Braniff Inc. while he started his own company, R&D Masonry, which later became B&W Masonry. He ran his company until the age of 74. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and served in the Army and was awarded National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was a member and was baptized at Barry Christian Church.
Don was a generous man who loved his family and good stories. His smile could light up a room and his eyes twinkled when he did. He never met a stranger and believed in a person’s ability to make the most of themselves. He was an avid deer hunter who loved to share his time and experience with his grandchildren and he cherished every memory. He enjoyed supporting his grandchildren by cheering them on at their sporting events. He was a mean rummy player, enjoyed bingo, and his apple pie and ice cream. He will be missed by everyone who knew him, especially his family.
Don is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Matthew Jared Uptegrove; 1st wife, Doris Colleen (Williams) Howard; 2nd wife, Myrna Ileta (Armstrong) Rinehart; daughter, Shelly Renee Rinehart; son-in-law, Freddie Myron Uptegrove; step-son, Thomas Allen Crawford; and step-daughter, Lorena Diane Burns.
He is survived by his daughters, Rebecca “Becky” Jean Uptegrove, Linda Verleen Rinehart, and Ileta “Jeanie” Jeanette (Charles “Chuckles”) Hay; step-daughter-in-law, Gay Dawn Crawford; 12 grandchildren;14 great-grandchildren; and his beloved dogs, Biscuit, KC, and Belle.
Memorials may be given to Veterans Tiny House Project or KC Pet Project.
