Colonel Ret.

Harry E. Rhynard, age 93, formerly of the 1600th block of Broadway Street, Niles died on Friday, April 5, 2013 at Woodland Terrace in Niles. He was born July 24, 1919 in Detroit, Michigan to Ernest & Lydia (Feifenbiner) Rhynard. Harry was the middle child of three boys; himself, Wayne and Alvin, and was very close to Wayne growing up.

On September 11, 1945, he married his wife of over 52 years, the former Virginia A. Barrett, who preceded him in death on July 25, 1997.

After graduating high school, Harry enlisted in the United States Army, serving 4 years of active duty during World War II. Harry way stationed stateside as he could type and was assigned to process orders. He continued in the Army Reserves for another 26 years, achieving the rank of Colonel. He worked for Hudson's Department Store about 10 years after graduating from the University of Michigan. The family took many trips during early years, many associated with active duty stationing for Reserves.

Harry was employed by the United States Army (Army Tank Automotive Command) as a civilian until retirement in 1979 as a buyer of Army vehicles. After retirement he moved to Niles to be close to his son Bob and daughter-in-law Karen, on the corner of Broadway and Seventeenth Street.

After retirement, Harry enjoyed Elderhostel trips all over the United States and Europe. He was an active member of the City Club in Niles, a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, helped to organize the blood drive in Niles, and provided manual labor for many projects with the Niles Garden Club. He also enjoyed bicycling, down-hill skiing as well as cross country skiing. He had a love of reading; mostly history and biographies.

Harry married the former Sybil Miller in 2000, she also preceded him in death in 2001.

In September of 2001, Harry moved in with his son Bob and Karen on Anderson Road. He developed Macular Degeneration and was legally blind from 2005. He used the Library for The Blind to continue reading until he fell ill in December of 2012. He remained active with the Cass Council on Aging from 2005 until he became ill.

Harry is survived by his son, Robert (& Karen) Rhynard and grandsons James Ryan Rhynard and Steven Christopher Rhynard, a brother, Alvin Rhynard of Florida and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Rhynard.

Funeral services for Harry E. Rhynard will be held at 7:00p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2013 at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles with the Rev. Michael Smith of Hope Community Church officiating.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 5:00p.m. until the time of services on Monday at the funeral Home.

Interment will take place at 10:00a.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan with Military Honors.

Contributions in memory of Harry may be made to the organization of choice.

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