Gerald E Rankin

Gerald Earl Rankin, born January 7, 1949, went to be with Jesus on July 6, 2026.

Gerald was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Gerald Paul Rankin and Gloria Ann Rupp., the eldest of five children. Gerald grew up in Detroit and loved music and baseball.

Gerald met the love of his life, Lorna Kay DeRosia, when he was a senior in high school on a missions trip to Navajo Indians in Arizona. They were married on April 3, 1969, at Calvary Baptist Church, Roseville, Michigan. After three miscarriages, Gerald and Lorna welcomed the first of six children into their home.

Gerald became a car-hauler for GM in 1978 and worked for 30 years. After retirement he and Lorna became snow-birds for several years commuting between Florida and Michigan. They decided to move to Florida permanently in 2015, but he became sick while visiting his daughter, and was given two years to live. God had other plans, though. Gerald and Lorna did move to Florida and lived there until October of 2024, when they decided it was time to move closer to their daughter in Council Grove, KS.

Gerald lived ten years after his initial diagnosis of CHF and grew closer to God and family during that time. He also spent several years trying to encourage pastors across the country with phone calls and prayers.

Gerald was known for his love for his Saviour, Harley Davidsons, and Mountain Dew, as well as for his stories, his laugh and snarkiness.

Gerald was preceded in death by both his father and mother, three children and several grandchildren by miscarriage, and several aunts and uncles.

Gerald is survived by wife, Lorna Rankin, Children, Joel (Alisa) Rankin, Shannon (Pastor Rob) Kemp, Nicole Rankin, Natalie Rankin, Rebekah (Pastor Billy) Kryger, and Rachel Laurie (Pastor Matthew) Conrad. He also is survived by brothers Glenn (Karen) Rankin and Gordon (Danni) Rankin and sisters Gail (Dick) Smith, and Yvonne (Ron) Sheffield. Also surviving are grandchildren-Jude, Robert, Ryan, William, Anthony, Mary, Morgan, Billy (Jackie), Jenna, Jackson, Noah, Josiah (Donilyssa), Malachi and Luca. He also had 10 great-grandchildren with one on the way and several nieces and nephews.

Gerald would like to have the last word: If you are not sure where you are going when you die, he wants to see you in Heaven. Please pray and ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, come into your heart and life and save you. Romans 3:23-24; Romans 10:9-10, 13; 1 John 1:9. Read your Bible and Pray every day!! Love Jesus and share him with everyone.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Berean Baptist Church, 330 Huffaker St. Council Grove, KS 66846. A memorial service will be conducted at Community Christian Church, 105 E. Main, Council Grove, on Friday, July 31, at 6:00 PM. Supper will be served, followed by the celebration of life.