Obituary of Howard Rinkel

1927, the fourth son of Edward and Cora (Pearson) Rinkel. He went to be with His Lord in Heaven on Friday, January 27, 2012 at the age of 84. Howard served in the United States Navy in WWII and Korea as a medical corpsman. After his service, Howard traveled to Tulsa and graduated from the University of Tulsa with a Masters Degree in Industrial Psychology. In 1952, Howard met Wilma Jane Gray and fell in love. They were married on June 13, 1954. Howard adopted Thomas Joe Utley as his oldest son and later the couple had three more children: Deanna Louise, Paul Leslie and Rebecca ane. They lived in Tulsa, OK where they faithfully attended Trinity United Methodist Church. Howard was a successful businessman, well known in the Tulsa community. Howard's passion was singing barbershop harmony. In 1958, his quartet, the Gaynotes, won the S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. International Barbershop Quartet Championship in Columbus, Ohio. The Gaynotes quartet has the distinction of being the only quartet ever to win a Championship by over 300 points! Howard was a faithful husband, wonderful father and beloved friend. He is survived by his wife Jane, of the home; sons, Tom Rinkel of Independence, KS and Paul Rinkel (Melodee); daughters, Deanna Hargrove (David) and Becky McCracken, all of Tulsa, OK. Howard and Jane were thrilled to be blessed with 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren who all cherish fond memories of their sweet Papa who loved them so very much. We love you Daddy!