Cover photo for Calvin Rankin's Obituary
Calvin Rankin Profile Photo

Calvin Rankin

February 5, 1924 — January 14, 2014

Calvin Gilbert Rankin, 89, of 23 Park Street Lonaconing, MD died peacefully at home Tuesday, January 14, 2014 after a brief illness. He was born February 5, 1924, in Defiance, PA, son of the late Marshal and Elsie (Foor) Rankin.

On July 8, 1950 he married Phyllis Goodwin at First United Methodist Church in Lonaconing. His passing ends a marriage of 63 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Marcia A. Criss and husband Michael of Clarksburg, MD, Lisa J. Hill and husband Charles of Cumberland and Melissa J. Mackley and husband Charles, of Williamsport, MD. a brother Frank and wife Joan, of Naples, FL. a sister Katherine and husband Ernie Reimer of Camp Hill, PA, seven grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a sister Lillian Jackson, La Mesa, CA, brothers Albert, Port Charlotte FL, Neal of Akron, Ohio and Leslie of Massilon, Ohio. His brother, Henry of Port Charlotte, FL passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2014.

Mr. Rankin was an active member of First United Methodist, Lonaconing where he served as a trustee, Sunday school teacher, member of the finance committee and property committee and various other committees over the years.

He was a graduate of Broad Top High School, Defiance, PA class of 1942 and served in
the US Army during World War II as a Sergeant 1st  Class with the Signal Corps.
He attended Shippensburg State College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He competed in the Penn Relays and won silver and bronze medals in high hurdles and relay.

He was recalled to active duty in October of 1950 and served with the 101st Airborne during the Korean Conflict. In 1956 he received his Masters degree in Education from the University of Maryland. He taught business subjects at Central High School in Lonaconing, and transferred to Valley High with the opening of that new school.  He was appointed principal at Valley High School in 1968 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1983. Calvin loved his church, his family and his friends and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.


Family and friends will be received on Thursday, January 16, 2014 from 2-4 and 7-9 at the Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home, P.A., Lonaconing.  A funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Lonaconing on Friday, January 17, 2014 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Fred Iser officiating. Interment will be held at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery, Flintstone, MD. Military rites will be accorded by the combined Honor Guard Post #13.

The family wishes to thank Western Maryland Health System Hospice Services for their loving care.

If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to WMHS Hospice Services 1050 W. Industrial Blvd. Ste 19, Cumberland, MD 21502 or to the First United Methodist Church, 14 Church Street, Lonaconing, MD 21539.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Calvin Rankin, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, January 16, 2014

2:00 - 4:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home PA

8 E Main St
Lonaconing, MD 21539

*Standard text messaging rates apply.

Visitation

Thursday, January 16, 2014

7:00 - 9:00 pm (Eastern time)

Add to Calendar

Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home PA

8 E Main St
Lonaconing, MD 21539

*Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Friday, January 17, 2014

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Add to Calendar

First United Methodist Church

Church St
Lonaconing, MD 21539

*Standard text messaging rates apply.

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