Lonnie M. Rankin

Lonnie Marcellas Rankin, 84, of Miles passed away Wednesday, June 20 at his home surrounded by his family and friends. He was born September 9, 1927 to Floy Mosier and Roy Rankin in Ballinger, Texas.

A visitation will be Friday, June 22, from 6-8 p.m. at the Miles United Methodist Church; funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 23 at the Miles United Methodist Church with Pastor Gary Karschner officiating; Masonic graveside services to follow at Miles Cemetery.

Lonnie graduated in 1945 from Eden High School. He joined the U. S. Navy in June 1945 and served in Pearl Harbor until July 1946 when he was released to the Naval Reserve and was recalled during the Korean Situation in 1950 and was re-released in 1952.

On April 8, 1948 he married Oleta Nell Mask in Brady, Texas. They moved to Miles where they became owners and publisher of the Miles Messenger on January 1, 1953. In addition, they also owned and published The Rowena Press and The Concho Herald until the time of his death.

Lonnie served on the Miles City Council; a member of the Miles Lions Club for over 50 years; a member of the Miles Masonic Lodge #898 for over 50 years; was a 33 degree Inspector General Honorary at Waco Scottish Rite Bodies; a member of the Miles American Legion and was a charter member of the Miles Preservation Authority and was instrumental in helping establish the Miles Cotton Festival. One of his greatest joys was entering goat and brisket cook-offs. A great joy was winning the World Championship Brady Goat Cook-off numerous times. He, his son and grandson were featured on the Food Network for their wins. Poppa enjoyed attending most any event his children and/or grandchildren participated in whether it was a sporting event, stock show, band concert, dance recital … he was there.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Floy Kirby, and his stepfather, V. A. Kirby; and his two brothers, Charles Rankin and Jim Rankin.

Surviving are his wife and soul mate of 64 years, Oleta; daughter, Donna Glass, and husband, John; son, Steven Rankin, and wife Paula; grandchildren: Casey Glass and fiance Cassie Patcshke; MarLon Rankin; Chel’C Rankin; CiJi Dickson, and husband, Lee; Coby Glass, and wife Kathy; and Caden Glass; great-grandchildren: Ryleigh Glass and Cole Dickson; cherished friends, Bill and Jean Tomlinson; and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Pallbearers will be his adored grandchildren. Honorary pall bearers will be members of the Miles Masonic Lodge #898. Memorials may be sent to the Miles Preservation Authority, PO Box 275, Miles, TX 76861; Miles United Methodist Church, PO Box 205, Miles, TX 76861; or a charity of your choice.