Obituary for Robert Alan Rinker
Robert Alan Rinker, age 86, passed away February 13, 2022. Robert was born March 7, 1935, in Greensburg, Indiana to Kenneth and Georgiana Emig Rinker. He graduated from New Albany High School class of 1953.
He enlisted in the Kentucky Air National Guard at the age of 18, working his way up from base firefighter and military police to airman 1st class. Serving in the 165th Fighter Interceptor Squadron and the Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. Afterwards he joined the US Air Force where he was honorably discharged in 1961 after earning a degree in aviation science.
He is the author of Understanding Ballistics a technical book on firearms. Penning numerous articles and essays on the subject for national magazines.
As a man of many talents, he also worked as a tool and die apprentice during the day while attending college at night, earning his master’s degree in industrial engineering, He owned and operated his own tool and die machine shop where some of the work was done on firearms, including guns for the US Navy. He utilized his military training in civilian life employed as a commercial pilot and flight instructor, trained naval aviators during the Vietnam War, taught aerobatics and worked for many years for HAPS Aerial Enterprises at Clark County Airport for William “Hap” Happel.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Betty E. Rinker. His son, Robert A. Rinker, Jr. (Jennifer) of Hamilton, Ohio. Daughters, Bonnie Rinker of New Albany, Indiana, Tammy Phillips (Dan) of Shepherdsville, Kentucky and Teresa Babcock (Philip) of Depauw, Indiana. 6 grandchildren, Terra Rinker of Coco Beach, Florida, Brian Rinker (Jessica) of Fairfield, Ohio, Perry Jenkins (Ellie) of Depauw, Indiana, Tina Missi (Brad) of Mauckport, Indiana, Morgan Smith (Rachel) of Louisville, Kentucky, Lt. Mason Smith (Ginger) South Korea and 10 great grandchildren.
Cremation was chosen and a memorial service will be 11 AM Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at Fairview Cemetery, 800 east 6th Street, New Albany, Indiana.
Swarens Funeral Home, Ramsey, Indiana has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Previous Events
Service
Tuesday
22
Feb
11:00 AM
Fairview Cemetery Chapel
800 East 6th Street
New Albany, IN 47150
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