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Submitted: 12/21/18 • Approved: 12/22/18 • Last Updated: 12/25/18 • R1248020-G0-S3
January 15, 1933 - January 2, 2012
*Obituary
Northwest Arkansas Times
Thursday, January 5, 2012
WEST FORK — Our Papa, Harold B. Rinker, DVM, 78, of West Fork, Ark., (formerly of Warren, Ark.) completed his journey in this life on Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, at the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born Jan. 15, 1933, at the family home near Seneca, N.M.
He was a graduate of Clayton New Mexico High School (1951), Fort Lewis A&M in Colorado (1951-1952), Oklahoma State University (1953-1954), and Oklahoma State University School of Veterinary Medicine (1955-1958).
Papa played football for both Fort Lewis A&M and OSU. In 1952, he earned All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-America honors and was Outstanding Athlete of the Year at Fort Lewis A&M, and in 1954, he earned All-Big Eight Conference honors at OSU.
During his professional career Papa taught, was published in numerous trade journals and served as a consultant to the livestock and pharmaceutical industries. He was a founding member of the Academy of Veterinary Consultants. He had veterinary practices in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Papa also worked on the Hopi and Navajo reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. In the latter years of his career, he was an inspector for the USDA. Many young people chose the career of veterinary medicine because of Papa's mentorship and influence.
Of his many accomplishments, his most important achievements were his continued sobriety as an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 38 years; volunteering for the Washington Regional Hospice program for more than 20 years; and what be has taught his children and grandchildren, by both voice and deed. He lived a life of service and always helped others. Papa was Papa to all of his children and grandchildren, and sometimes, even their friends. He had tremendous love for his family and friends, as they did for him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Booth and Algia Lee (Baker) Rinker; two brothers, Lloyd Rinker and Rex Rinker; and one sister, Lois Reynolds.
Papa leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Jan; two sons, Martin Rinker and wife, Tracy, of Hardesty, Okla., and Michael Rinker and wife, Rhonda, of Union City, Tenn.; three daughters, Karen Rinker and longtime partner, Jake Warnock of West Fork, Ark., Kim White and husband, Scott, of Warren, Ark., and Kelly Cantrell and husband, Jay, of West Fork, Ark.; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, who gave him the most satisfaction and pleasure in life. He is also survived by one sister, Verna Ruth Carmack and her husband, Dick, of Aztec, N.M.; and many nieces and nephews.
An outdoor service to celebrate his life will be held at Serenity Place Cemetery, 18489 S. Highway 170, West Fork, Ark., on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. Dress warm and comfortably. Everyone is invited to stay for lunch afterward.
Memorials may be made to the Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 E. Longview Drive, Fayetteville. AR 72703.
Contributed on 12/21/18 by mdfreels
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Record #: 1248020