Mr. Vernon Page Rankin Sr., age 80, of Chireno, Texas, passed away Saturday, January 4, 2014, at Nacogdoches Medical Center.
Mr. Rankin was born January 16, 1933, in Houston to parents Orland Rankin and Adelle McNair Rankin and had been a longtime resident of the Chireno area. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. He retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, after working several years as an inspector.
An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping, as well as RV traveling with his wife. They were very excited to be park attendants at Sandy Creek Park near Jasper for the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Watching football and old westerns on television were favorite pastimes.
His survivors include his four children, Vernon and Christy Rankin of Sugar Land, Texas, Karen Rankin of Chireno, Texas, Richard and Deanna Rankin of Irving, Texas, and Charles and Belinda Rankin of Humble, Texas; seven grandchildren, Crystal Zienko and husband Travis, Candace Hendrick and husband Patrick, David Peacock, Tara Peacock, Jennifer Davison and husband Mitchell, Eric Rankin, and Christopher Rankin; three great-grandchildren, Boe Zienko, Dusty Zienko, and Mason Hendrick; a sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Frisch; and his aunt and uncle, Beth and Ashley Blavegrave, who reared him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Marie Rankin, on June 20, 2010; and sisters, Thelma Franks and Velma Trapp.
Funeral services are set for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at Chireno Baptist Church, located on FM 95 in Chireno, with Pastor Waylon Brown officiating. Interment will follow at the Lower Chireno Cemetery on County Road 448 off FM 95.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 7, 2014, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf.
Pallbearers will be Travis Zienko, Patrick Hendrick, Christopher Rankin, Mitchell Davison, Eric Rankin, and David Peacock.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, located at 5400 North St. in Nacogdoches. Online memories and condolences may be offered at www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com.
