26 Sept 1895 - 20 May 1984

Ora Dale "Fritz" Rainbolt was born in Schuyler County Missouri, the fifth child of Anthony and Sarah C. (Foglesong) Rainbolt. He grew up in Schuyler County, although according to one newspaper account, he very nearly didn't survive beyond his fourth year:

Schuyler County Avalanche, Jul 27, 1900 page 5, col 2

The four year old son of Anthony Rainbolt, living east of Lancaster, was seriously if not fatally injured last Saturday. During his father's absence at Lancaster, the little boy was put, by the hired hand, on a horse, which became frightened and ran away, throwing him so that his feet became fastened in the lines and ran a considerable distance before he became liberated. Drs Mitchell were called and rendered all assistance possible.

While the newspaper article doesn't give his name, simple math tells us that Ora is the only possible choice, as his nearest brother in age, (Claude Anthony) would have been 9 years old.

As Ora, or "Fritz" as the community new him, grew into manhood, he picked up the trade of Blacksmithing. When our nation became embroiled in the first World War, "Fritz" enlisted.

In 1922, on Oct 22nd , Fritz married Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Greer, a daughter of William Henry and Lulu H. (Myers) Greer. She would be his life long partner and together they raised four children who are still living:

Hillis Dale

Billie Lois

BettiAnne

John "Jack" Spencer

During the second World War, Fritz again served his country. His son, Hillis also served during this war. Fritz served on the U.S.S. LST-671. It was built in Ambridge, Pa, by the American Bridge Company and commissioned 2 June 1944. Service included Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of Operations; Leyte landing - October, 1944; Lingayen Gulf landing- January, 1945; and Assault; occupation of Okinawa- April through June, 1945 and  occupation duty in the Far East until December, 1945. LST-671 was decommissioned 25 June 1946 and earned three battle stars for World War Two.

Fritz died in Kirksville, Adair County, May 20, 1984. Betty followed nearly four years to the date on May 19, 1988. Both are buried together in the National Cemetery, Quincy, Adams County, IL.