Francis "Blaine" Rinker

Francis "Blaine" Rinker, 88, of Westminster, departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster. Born March 1, 1937, in Cumberland, Md, he was the son of the late Francis Edwin and Genevieve (Trapp) Rinker. He was the loving husband of Susan O. Rinker, his wife of 30 years. A graduate of Allegany High School, he matriculated to Allegany College, and then Frostburg University. He was a graduate of Wesley Seminary in Washington, DC. Blaine was ordained a Deacon and after retirement remained Pastor in the United Methodist Church, Baltimore-Washington Conference. He served in numerous churches throughout Maryland and West Virginia as well as missionary work in Haiti. Blaine's dedication to his calling to preach the Gospel of Christ, was evident in every aspect of his life as he touched countless lives with his gentle heart and wise counsel in service to others. He was devoted to his family and was a lifelong learner. He was proud to have served honorably in the United States Navy Reserve, having service on the USS Tarawa in the North Atlantic. Blaine was a member of George's Creek Valley Masonic Lodge in Cumberland. Throughout his life, he enjoyed reading, writing, singing and music. Surviving in addition to his wife are children Peggy Jo Hughes (Jack), Denise Rinker (Randy Rodeheaver), Theresa Nave, Beverly Melmed (Mark), Victor Rinker (Melodie), and Jason Rinker (Hannah); brothers Edwin Wayne Rinker and Rodger Wilton Rinker; 10 grandchildren; several great grandchildren, and loving extended relatives from his wife's family. The family will welcome friends on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 1 to 2 pm at Pritts Funeral Home and Chapel, 412 Washington Road, Westminster. A memorial service will begin at 2pm. Interment will be private.