Richard A. Rankin

Richard A. "Dick" Rankin, 88, passed away on Friday afternoon, September 17, 2010 at the VA Medical Center in Louisville with family by his side. Dick was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, known as "Tin Can Sailors". He was in the Civilian Conservation Corp and a lifetime member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association, VFW Post 3281, American Legion Post 42, and Knights of Columbus Cardinal Ritter Council #1221. He was a past member of the McCullough and Lafayette Volunteer Fire Departments and retired from Colgate Palmolive Company after 40 years. A naturalist and storyteller in heart, he was an avid gardener, fisherman, and local historian who befriended all he met.

Dick was born on June 12, 1922 in Floyds Knobs to the late Algor and Catherine (Andres) Rankin. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Thelma (Keeley) Rankin and brother, Bill Rankin.

He is survived by his children, Linda K. Wibbels and her husband Ron, Patty A. Martin and her husband Dennis, all of Floyds Knobs, and Michael A. "Mike" Rankin and his wife Toni of Milltown, Indiana; grandchildren, Deborah Linderman and her husband Chris, Mikki Heitz and her husband Steve all of Floyds Knobs, Aaron Green and his wife Nilia of Mooresville, Indiana, Chris Martin and his wife Beth of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, Jacinda Banet and her husband Kevin and Ashley Martin, all of Floyds Knobs; 12 great grandchildren; and longtime companion and friend, Lois Turner.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM on Monday, September 20, 2010 and 11 to 8 PM on Tuesday at Newcomer Funeral Home (formerly Generations Funeral Home, 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, IN). There will be a private visitation for his friends in the Amish community. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church with military honors and burial to follow at the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.