Elmer Dean Rankin

1935 - 2017

Elmer Dean Rankin, 82, of Galesburg, formerly of Alexis, died at 7:40 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, at Heartland Health Care Center, Galesburg.

Dean was born Sept. 1, 1935, in rural Raritan. He married Helen Theresa Levins on Dec. 8, 1956, in West Burlington, Iowa. She preceded him in death on April 19, 2015. Dean is survived by four sons, Greg (Margo) of Rapids City, Michael (Nancy) of Raritan, James (Thelma), and Ronald (Shaojin) of Edison, New Jersey; two daughters, Therese (Dennis) Dexter of Litchfield Park, Arizona and Mary Beth Rankin of Galesburg; 11 grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Along with his wife and parents, Dean was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.

Dean was a hard-working, life-long proud farmer and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and fun loving attitude. Dean enjoyed spoiling his pets, model railroading, and telling a good story. Dean also served in the U.S. Naval Reserves.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. Memorial services will follow at 1 p.m. Pastor Mark Dexter will officiate. Interment of cremated remains will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. Memorials may be left in Dean's memory to the First Church of the Open Bible. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com