Stephen E. Rainer

STEPHEN E. RAINER, age 85, resident of Dublin, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday,April 20th, 2025, after a long struggle with heart failure. Both of his children, Steve and Kim, were by his side when he died at The Sanctuary at Tuttle Crossing, where he lived.
Steve was born on April 11th, 1940, in Columbus, to Mary Edna Rainer and George William Rainer. He is survived by son Stephen Jr. (Shannon) and daughter Kimberly; grandchildren Joshua, Michael (Rachael), John Paul, Anne, and Marie. He was affectionately called Big Rainer by those who loved him because he was the biggest kid on the block. He had a big heart and a great sense of humor, with an unforgettable laugh and boisterous voice. Making people laugh and smile was his mission. His faith in God and his church community at the Northwest United Methodist Church were very important to him. He was devoted to his family, loved watching them play sports, and of course enjoyed watching Buckeye games with them. Steve had a lifelong passion for sports, including basketball, football, softball, baseball, volleyball, and track. He also had a love for animals and never hesitated to rescue one. He served in the Air Force Reserves and attended The Ohio State University where he played basketball from 1958-1960. He graduated from Wilmington College in 1966 with a B.S. in Biology and Physical Education. For over 50 years, he worked as a referee and officiated mens and womens sports at all levels, including College Division I basketball and football. He founded Premier Sports International, Inc. where post Division I basketball players would play exhibition games versus College Division I teams. He continued as a referee of sporting games until he was 78 years old! He felt if you loved what you did, you never worked a day in your life. He also did voiceover and on-camera work for regional TV commercials and served on the Board ofDirectors of the Columbus Jazz Arts Group for nine years.
Visitation with the family will be held at the Chapel in the Woods at Northwest United Methodist Church, 5200 Riverside Drive, Columbus, OH, 43220 from 2:30-4:00 pm, Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. A Memorial Service will follow visitation at 4:00 pm outside in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Northwest United Methodist Church for the Chapel in the Woods.
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Big Rainer and our family. COOK & SON - PALLAY FUNERAL HOME is serving the family.