Obituaries

Gordon Franklin Rhine

Gordon Franklin Rhine of Bella Vista, age 87, passed peacefully on Sept. 21, 2015 at his home with his family. Gordon was born in Granite City, Ill. on July 6, 1928. After high school graduation, Gordon served with honor in the US Navy. Assigned initially to the Great Lakes Naval Training Center near Chicago, and he then served at sea in the Pacific theatre aboard the USS Thomas Jefferson (APA-30) until 1948. After World War II upon returning to the St. Louis area, Gordon began his business as a safety engineer at the US Defense Corporation in St. Louis. He then joined Olin Corporation and he began his 35 year career as Director of Loss Prevention in Olin's East Alton, Ill. complex where he was responsible for the safety and compliance for all employees working at their Winchester Western Ammunition and Olin Brass manufacturing facilities. Gordon met the love of his life, Shirley Mae Wache while working at the US Defense Corporation and they were happily married for 62 years. In 1962, they moved to Alton, Ill. where they raised their son Greg. Gordon and Shirley became active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Alton. Gordon retired in 1989. He and Shirley moved to beautiful Bella Vista, Ark. where they have lived since, enjoying many recreational activities and especially golf where he enjoyed the camaraderie and close friendships from the members of the many golf groups he joined. Gordon is survived by his wife Shirley of 62 years, their son Greg, his daughter in-law Molly, and his three beautiful granddaughters who reside in Los Gatos, Calif. The family thanks Circle of Life Hospice care for their aid and kindness during Gordon's final hours. In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution in Gordon's name to the following organizations: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), or on-line at: www.jdrf.org, The Down Syndrome Association of greater St. Louis. 8531 Page Ave, St. Louis, Mo. 63114 or on-line at: www.dsagsl.org. A celebration of his life will be held at a date in the near future for family and friends. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.

Published September 27, 2015

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