Harold William "Bill" Rinesmith, 86, passed away on October 23, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. A lifelong resident of St. Louis, Bill dedicated his life to service—through education, athletics, and the U.S. Marine Corps—and left a lasting impact on generations of students and athletes.
Born on March 4, 1939, in St. Louis to Harold Walter Rinesmith and Mary Annice Rinesmith (née Robinson), Bill grew up with a strong sense of discipline and community. He attended and graduated from McKinley High School and Cleveland High School in 1957 before entering the Marine Corps. After his time in the Marines, Bill attended McKendree University. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1964, where he was also a proud member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Committed to furthering his education, Bill went on to receive a master's degree in Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
In 1958, Bill enlisted honorably in the United States Marine Corps. His military service instilled in him values that would guide his professional life as an educator and coach.
Bill began his career in athletics as an assistant football coach at Saint Louis University before joining Pattonville High School as both an assistant football coach and head swim coach. He also taught Physical Education, Health, and Driver's Education at Pattonville until his retirement from teaching in 1997. Even in retirement, Bill continued to coach for several years.
One of Bill's most enduring legacies was establishing the swimming program at Pattonville High School, Robinwood Summer Swim Club, and Bridgeton Swim Team. Over almost four decades of coaching swimmers, he mentored countless young athletes—many of whom went on to excel in swimming and become top state swimmers under his guidance. His excellence was recognized when he was named MSHSAA Coach of the Year during his tenure. Even after retiring from coaching, Bill remained active in the sport as a MSHSAA Swimming Official.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill found joy in simple pleasures: fishing with family and friends, working with wood in his workshop, boating on the Lake of the Ozarks, and tackling home improvement projects with care and precision.
Bill was a devoted husband to Bonnie Rinesmith (née Nisbet), with whom he shared 58 years of love and partnership. He was a loving father to Jennifer Rinesmith and Brad Rinesmith; Jennifer's partner Craig Clark; Brad's wife Aubrey Rinesmith (née Burke); and a proud grandfather to Anabelle Cook, Alexis Cook, Alivia Cook, Abigail Cook, Burke Rinesmith, and Ben Rinesmith.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harold Walter Rinesmith and Mary Annice Rinesmith (née Robinson), as well as his sister Judith Ann Rinesmith.
Bill's influence extended far beyond the classroom or pool deck—he shaped lives through mentorship, discipline, encouragement, and example. His legacy lives on through the many individuals he inspired throughout his lifetime.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire future generations. A Memorial Service will be held on December 20, 2025, at 02:00 PM at Arlington United Methodist Church 3770 McKelvey Road, Bridgeton, MO. 63044.
Born on March 4, 1939, in St. Louis to Harold Walter Rinesmith and Mary Annice Rinesmith (née Robinson), Bill grew up with a strong sense of discipline and community. He attended and graduated from McKinley High School and Cleveland High School in 1957 before entering the Marine Corps. After his time in the Marines, Bill attended McKendree University. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1964, where he was also a proud member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Committed to furthering his education, Bill went on to receive a master's degree in Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
In 1958, Bill enlisted honorably in the United States Marine Corps. His military service instilled in him values that would guide his professional life as an educator and coach.
Bill began his career in athletics as an assistant football coach at Saint Louis University before joining Pattonville High School as both an assistant football coach and head swim coach. He also taught Physical Education, Health, and Driver's Education at Pattonville until his retirement from teaching in 1997. Even in retirement, Bill continued to coach for several years.
One of Bill's most enduring legacies was establishing the swimming program at Pattonville High School, Robinwood Summer Swim Club, and Bridgeton Swim Team. Over almost four decades of coaching swimmers, he mentored countless young athletes—many of whom went on to excel in swimming and become top state swimmers under his guidance. His excellence was recognized when he was named MSHSAA Coach of the Year during his tenure. Even after retiring from coaching, Bill remained active in the sport as a MSHSAA Swimming Official.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill found joy in simple pleasures: fishing with family and friends, working with wood in his workshop, boating on the Lake of the Ozarks, and tackling home improvement projects with care and precision.
Bill was a devoted husband to Bonnie Rinesmith (née Nisbet), with whom he shared 58 years of love and partnership. He was a loving father to Jennifer Rinesmith and Brad Rinesmith; Jennifer's partner Craig Clark; Brad's wife Aubrey Rinesmith (née Burke); and a proud grandfather to Anabelle Cook, Alexis Cook, Alivia Cook, Abigail Cook, Burke Rinesmith, and Ben Rinesmith.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harold Walter Rinesmith and Mary Annice Rinesmith (née Robinson), as well as his sister Judith Ann Rinesmith.
Bill's influence extended far beyond the classroom or pool deck—he shaped lives through mentorship, discipline, encouragement, and example. His legacy lives on through the many individuals he inspired throughout his lifetime.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire future generations. A Memorial Service will be held on December 20, 2025, at 02:00 PM at Arlington United Methodist Church 3770 McKelvey Road, Bridgeton, MO. 63044.
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