Charles Kenneth Rinkes

Charles Kenneth Rinkes, 88 passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 peacefully in Argyle, Texas.

Charles was born on Thanksgiving Day November 25, 1937 in St. Clairsville, Ohio to Charles Edward and Myrtle Rinkes. He was the fourth of 5 children and lived a happy childhood on their working farm surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He graduated from St. Clairsville High School where he met the love of his life, Jeannie Chuckery.

Charles was always involved in the transportation industry. After graduation, he worked briefly at the town gas station doing minor repairs and pumping gas. In the spring of 1956, he was hired by the Pennsylvania Railroad as a fireman on their Columbus to Sandusky run and had many tales to tell of his work there. When the train shut down in October due to ice on the Great Lakes, he and a few of his buddies moved to Pittsburgh to attend the Pittsburgh Aeronautical Institute where he earned his A & P (Airframe & Powerplant) License. This allowed him to break into the then-emerging commercial airline industry. Charles was hired by American Airlines after graduation where he worked as an aircraft mechanic and retired after 37 years of service.

Charles & Jean married on May 2, 1959 in Maynard, Ohio. They lived for several years in Chicago where they welcomed their two sons, Charles Anthony and Gary Joseph and then moved to Medina, Ohio where they completed their family with the arrival of their daughter, Lori Jean. Charles and Jean lived for their family who they loved deeply and unconditionally. Together they traveled many places with friends and family and would come home with many tales of their adventures. Charles was a pillar of strength for his family and always put their needs above his own.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Jean Rinkes; parents, Charles E. and Myrtle Rinkes; brothers Edward (Ruth) Rinkes and Richard (Bonnie) Rinkes; sisters Leota (Danny) Hoblick and Donna Kelly; and his in-laws Joe & Mary Lou Pruneski and Eugene & Helen Marie Mendyka.

He is survived by his son, Charles A. Rinkes and wife Teresa; son, Gary Rinkes; daughter, Lori Sarmiento and husband Kendrick; grandchildren Craig Rinkes and wife Bizz, Curtis Rinkes and wife Andrea, Grant Sarmiento and wife Emily and Brooklyn Sarmiento; great grandchildren Ryanne Rinkes, Olivia Rinkes, Parker Rinkes and Myles Rinkes; brother-in-law Truman Kelly; numerous nieces, nephews, family and dear friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM CST on Saturday, January 31, 2026.Good Shepherd Catholic Community1000 Tinker Rd.Colleyville, TX 76034.  A Graveside service will be held this summer in Medina, Ohio.