John Ralph Rank

1948 - 2026

John Ralph Rank
12/27/1948 - 02/17/2026
John Ralph Rank, "JR", passed away in his home in Tomball, Texas, on February 17, 2026. John was a devoted son, father, grandfather, uncle, nephew, and friend. He was many things to us and his humanity, love, humor, and respect for others will be remembered and missed.

Born in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, on December 27, 1948, he grew up in Donora, Pennsylvania, with his parents William and Goldie Rank. He graduated from Mon Valley Catholic High School in 1966 and enlisted in the US Navy where he served until 1972 before returning home to Donora. He graduated from the University of Indiana in Indiana, Pennsylvania, May 1980, then married Twila Marie Alvarez, daughter of Jose and Shirley Alvarez of Donora, July 19, 1980. John and Twila moved to Texas in 1981.

John is survived by his wife, Twila, his son, James Joseph (Jim) Rank (Jenna) in Austin, Texas, his daughter Hallie Kay Freeman (Dan) in Tomball, Texas, and his grandchildren, Everly, Colton, and Fiona. He is also survived by his brother, Bill Rank (Florida), his sisters, Mary Carney (Ohio) and Anne (Mike) Simoncelli (Pennsylvania), his aunt, Cindy Rank (West Virginia), and many nieces and nephews

He made many impressions on our lives, such as love of books, music, cooking, board and card games, trivia, and being a good friend. When out and about, people always gravitated to him. He had fun wherever he was. When you asked him how he was doing, his answer was always, "happy to be here". JR had a way of making you smile and know you were important.

He has an amazing collection of decorative frogs and models of Volkswagen buses that he collected over the years. There are many frogs displayed throughout his home and in the frog garden he created in front of his house. His grandchildren affectionately refer to his home as "Frog House". John was very proud of his grandchildren and loved being with them as much as possible.

Although he struggled with AS (ankylosing spondylitis) most of his life, he never complained or let it keep him from living a full and rewarding life. He willed his body to science with hopes it would lead to helping others with debilitating illnesses. He donated to Locks of Love many times and was a long time, reliable, and consistent blood donor. If you are a blood donor or considering becoming one, please think of him the next time you donate.

The immediate family will have a private ceremony. A celebration of his life will be planned in the near future.