William Davis and Deborah Kay Rhinesmith

William Davis Rhinesmith, 59, of Wichita, KS, passed away on March 12, 2026 in Albuquerque, NM. Born on March 7, 1967 to Richard and Patricia (Todd) Rhinesmith in Boulder, CO, Bill graduated from the University of Colorado (Boulder) in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering.

After graduation, Bill performed engineering and design work on the Space Shuttle Program for Rockwell International (Downey, CA) and was then transferred to Kennedy Space Center (Cocoa Beach, FL) at NASA Integration & Launch Operations for final shuttle processing. He accepted a position with Cessna Aircraft, (Textron Aviation), in Spring of 1995, relocating to Wichita, KS, and was pivotal in the advancement of the Cessna Citation programs. He accepted an offer to work in the Textron Specialized Vehicles division of Textron in St Cloud, MN before being transferred to Augusta, GA, in 2017. His technical leadership skills were instrumental in the advancement of electrification initiatives for Textron. Bill retired December 31, 2024 as Senior Vice President, Engineering, after 30 years.

The family was proud of Bill’s organ donation designation. At the time of his death, he was able to leave a legacy to four other families through donated organs.

Deborah Kay (Jendro) Rhinesmith, 63, of Wichita, KS, passed away on March 6, 2026 in Albuquerque, NM. Born on February 21, 1963 to Loren Mark and Carolyn Martha (Dittmer) Jendro, in Fargo, ND, the family moved to California when she was one and a half. She graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ in December 1986, with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering.

After graduation, Debbie worked for Rockwell International working on the Space Shuttle Program until relocating to Wichita. Debbie loved being an engineer but being a mother to her two boys was everything. While raising the boys she worked for Architectural Innovations from 2001 to 2004 and GLMV Architecture from 2004 – 2017 as an architectural drafter which gave her the opportunity to share her creativity and talents with others while still being accessible to the boys and their busy lives. Debbie also gave much to her church, especially during vacation bible school week and the annual rummage sale.

Bill and Debbie met during their time at Rockwell. They married on October 16, 1993 and raised two boys, Brooks Todd Rhinesmith and Calvin Max Rhinesmith. Living the majority of their lives in Wichita, KS, they loved to travel, especially to destinations like Germany, France, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. It is fitting that they died within days of each other while doing what they loved most: flying and visiting friends and family.

Bill was known for his love of golf, flying, and a smooth bourbon. He was a good friend and no home project was too big or too small which was a good thing because Debbie loved a good home remodel project. Debbie was also known for her sharp mind, always having a good glass of wine available, and, of course, her Christmas caramels. They loved to create meals together and share their table with many.

Bill and Debbie are survived by two sons, Brooks Rhinesmith (Boise, ID), and Calvin Rhinesmith (Fanny Rangel) (Lawrence KS); his parents, Richard and Patricia Rhinesmith (Knoxville, TN); her parents, Loren and Carolyn Jendro (Durbin, ND), Bill’s sister/brother-in-law Nancy (Danny) Sewell (Knoxville TN); brother/sister-in-law Bret (Bonnie) Rhinesmith (Big Horn WY); Debbie’s sister/brother-in-law Wendy Brown (Joel) (Evergreen, CO), and both will be deeply missed by their many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 9, 2026 at 11:00 am at Botanica, the Wichita Gardens, 701 Amidon, Wichita KS, with family visitation until 1:30. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fund 316 with the Wichita Foundation to give back to the community that Bill and Debbie loved so much.