Robert L Rankin

September 11, 1928 ~ January 10, 2013
Robert L. Rankin, 84 of Castleton passed away January 10, 2013 at home. Born September 11, 1928 to Charles & Mammie Rankin. He married Esther M. Parrott April 2, 1955 in Bradford. She died November 12, 2010. Survivors are 2 sons, Alan (Roxy) Champion of Wyoming; Gary (Sandra) Champion of Chillicothe; six grandchildren, Kristi (Dan) Davis of Washington; Jill (John) Weck of Arlington Heights; Matt Champion of Fort Lauderdale, FL; Cara (Chris) Donahoe of Burlington, IA; Amber (Greg) Thomas of Mapleton; Brad Champion of Peoria; eight great-grandchildren, Madison and Cameron Davis; Aiden, Conner and Gavin Weck; Taylor, Austin & Jackson Donahoe; brother, James Rankin of Kewanee. Robert was preceded in death by his parents and wife. He served in WW II in the Army Air Corp & U.S. Navy. Robert worked for C.T. Rees Elevator, Worked for Jim Colgan in construction, mechanic and retired from Stark County Farm Service. Member of First Baptist Church of Bradford and board member, Trustee of Penn Twp board and also Bradford American Legion #445. Services will be Tuesday, January 15, 2013 in the First Baptist Church of Bradford at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Bill Carter officiating. Burial will be in the Blue Ridge Cemetery, Edelstein with military rites accorded by Bradford American Legion #445. Visitation will be from 5-7 Monday, January 14, 2013 in the Grant-Johnson Funeral Home, Bradford. Memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church of Bradford.
Sending prayers and sympathy to the family at this of your loss. Been eons since I have seen Robert, but the family lived next door to us when we lived just N of Camp Grove on the farm and we enjoyed always going next door to visit his Mom and entire family while they lived there. He will be greatly missed by one and all.
Gary and Sandra,
I am sad to read of Robert’s passing. I hope the many happy memories will help you and your family get through this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Ed Johnson (Cat MEC Retired)
Peoria, Il.
I’m so sorry to hear that Bob passed away. I am going to miss him! I loved hearing stories about your family! He was an amazing man with incredible family values. I know he will be happy to be with his wife once again. Thinking of all of you in this time of sorrow. Sending a hug to you heaven Bob! Rest in Peace.