Jacob (Jake) Riner

Benjamin Funeral Service, Nowata, OK (918) 273-2700***

Our beloved Jacob William (Jake) Riner passed away on January 30, 2021. Jake was born in Euclid, Ohio on December 20, 1985 to John and Erin Riner. He was a child full of adventure, a little mischief, and enjoyed every day he could outside fishing, hunting, and exploring the nearby creek. In high school, Jake was an athlete, participating in wrestling, football, hockey, and swimming. He graduated in 2004 from Platte City High School.

After high school, Jake continued his adventures by working with Youth with A Mission in Australia, mission work in the Republic of the Sudan, and a second trip to Australia to work directly with aboriginal communities. These experiences had a lasting impact on the incredible man of intention, character, and love he already was and continued to be.

Jake’s career path included several stops, all under the heading of service to others. He received his fire and emergency medical services certificate from Tulsa Community College, then serving as an EMT for EMSA and as a firefighter with Bartlesville Fire and then Tulsa Fire. During these years of service, he also continued his education, receiving his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Oklahoma Wesleyan University and was in the process of completing his master’s degree in entomology from the University of Nebraska. He was also part owner of Animal Health Innovations, a company he shared with his father.

The loss of Jake has left us with many tears, quite a few laughs, and stories that will always be a part of his legacy. As friends and family have shared their words with one another, it is so clear that Jake was first and foremost about relationships. In both work and play, Jake was a master storyteller, direct communicator, and aimed to help others become the best version of themselves. He was deeply loyal, led from the back without stepping on those ahead, the heart of the fire station, and the instigator of shenanigans. He was admired for being a “Jake of all trades” knowing something about everything from woodworking, hunting, fishing, machinery repair, real estate, bugs, cows, building homes, and creating a meal for his family or the firehouse.

Jake’s most valuable and enduring legacy will be been seen in his family. He adored his wife Bonnie, whose love he shared through years of dating and 10 years of marriage full of laughter, dreams for the future, and loving teasing. Even at their young ages, his sons (William, 6 and Garrett, 5) and daughter (Leah, 3) adored him and spent countless hours learning from him, wrestling with him, and knowing they were the source of so much joy in his life.

In addition to his wife and children, Jake is survived by his parents John and Erin of Nowata, OK, brother Cliff and sister-in-law Cathy Riner of Bartlesville, OK, nieces and nephews Jackson, Karis, Corban, and Piper Riner and Maeva and Leo Glenis, cousin and understudy to all he knew Lucas Gull, grandfather JJ Riner of Nowata, OK, aunts and uncles Mark and Jody Riner, Ramond and Bonnie Gull, Ralph and Charlene Gull, Sue Ann Gull, and many, many other family members, coworkers, friends, and people who admired and loved him.

With the passing of this incredible young man, the things we will miss most are his contagious laugh, ability to fix anything, ever present help, zest for life and debate, the yes for every problem, partner for every project, storytelling, advice, hard work, and drive to serve others. He is, and will always be irreplaceable and so, we will not try. We will simply remember him, love him, and carry him with us always.

Funeral Services for Jacob Riner will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 6, 2021 at the Bartlesville First Church, 4715 Price Rd, Bartlesville, OK 74006. Services are under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Service. Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemories.com