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Norman Rankin Obituary
Mr. Rankin was born Dec. 8, 1924, in Waltham, Mass., to Charles and Marion (Walker) Rankin. He married Doris Irene Collins on July 18, 1948, in Wayland, Mass.
Mr. Rankin served at the Pearl Harbor Naval Base as a machinist from October 1944 through March 1946. He then worked for Ratheon Company until 1961, at which time he transferred to Sacramento Peak Observatory in Sunspot as an instrument maker.
After retiring in 1970 he worked for the Otero County Sheriff's Department and then the Otero County Assessor's Office. His favorite pastime was working on his machines down at Gary's. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Doris, of the family home; a son, Colin Rankin, of the family home; a daughter, Shelley Jones and her husband Gary, of Alamogordo; two grandsons, Brian Jones, of Phoenix, and Mark Jones, of Alamogordo; and a sister, Jeanne Koopman and her husband John, of Harwich, Mass.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Norman A. Rankin Jr., in 1982.
He is loved and will be missed dearly.
Graveside services will be conducted Saturday at 10 a.m. at Monte Vista Cemetery with President Mike Rogers and Ken Eaton officiating.
Pallbearers will be Brian Jones, Mark Jones, David Rankin, Gary Chamberlain, Mike Guy and Paul Houston. Honorary pallbearers will be Eddie Landers, Bonard Batte, Keith Mauldin, Billy Mahon and Gary Jones.
Friends may call this evening from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Hamilton-O'Dell Funeral Home.
To sign the online guest book, please visit www.hamiltonodell.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Rankin
Bev Bayley-Smith
April 8, 2023
I have wonderful memories of working with Norman on our family tree. He was dedicated, methodical and resourceful. I miss his guidance.
Mike Manning
October 18, 2007
Shelly,Gary and Family
Sorry to hear about your loss. I remember Norm from when I came down to Gary's. He would always tell me if Gary was on an errand.
I always enjoyed talking with him.
Susan Hooper
October 17, 2007
Shelley, Gary, Brian and Mark;I am very sorry to hear about your dad and grandfather. I have thought of all of you often. God Speed to all of you.
Robert Moya
October 17, 2007
Shelly, My prayers go out to you and your family. I'm sure Norman jr . was there at Heavens Gates to greet yours and his beloved Dad.
Jay & David Blobner
October 15, 2007
Colin,
Sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts are with your family. Your father reared good decent children. Again, our condolences.
Jack Leffew
October 14, 2007
Just heard of the passing of Norman and our prayers and thoughts go out to the Rankin and Jones family. One thing I remember about Norman he was always willing to help out in any project you were trying to do. I remember one time I was using some equipment at Gary's Norman called said he was coming down Gary told me Norman was coming so I had to clean up the machine I was using. I guess what Iam saying Norman didnt know I knew how to use the machine. Well i asked Norman to show me how to operate the machine and he said well show me what you know about it. Well i threw a piece of tubing on the machine and started cutting it I remember Norman saying wait a min. Norman put his hand on my shoulder and said son looks like you already know what your doing. I told Norman Ive been watching him and he laughed and said sure looks like Gary been showing me. Norman was a good friend and will be missed by his family and friends. Love Jack and Susan
Tommy Pappas
October 13, 2007
Shelly and family, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Shelly, I'll always remember when our family lost Cass, you were there.
Leola Russell
October 11, 2007
Doris, Colin, & Shelly and family,
My heart goes out to all of you during this time of loss. My thoughts are with all of you. If I can be of any help just let me know. Love, Leola
Mary Genthner
October 11, 2007
I am sorry for your loss. Norman was a very true friend to me. I wish that I could be with you but, you all are in my thoughts & prayers. I will think of him when I work on genealogy or see moxie soda I will laugh. He will always be in my heart. We all have our own memories that can't be taken away. My family all wish their condolence. Love Mary
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