Paul M. Rankin ~ 1891-1957

RANKIN, GORDON, MCCRACKEN, ARCHIBALD, BEER, MATHESON, LOEFFLER

Posted By: Rhonda Rankin Rowe (email)
Date: 1/31/2002 at 10:46:26

Paul M. Rankin, son of James William and Iowa McCracken Rankin was born October 26, 1891 near Bonaparte, Iowa, and passed away May 13, 1957 enroute to the hospital after having suddenly suffered a heart attack.

On December 10, 1914 he was united in marriage to Gail Gordon. To this union two children were born, Neva Marie of Waterloo and James Vinton of Keosauqua.

Paul was a farmer, having spent his entire married life on the same farm. He served as an adjuster for the Farmers Mutual Insurance company. He was a Trustee for a number of years as well as active in other community affairs. The last few years he and his nephew, Lester Matheson of whom he was especially fond were engaged as co-partners in farming.

He was a great lover of the outdoors. He enjoyed sports. He liked animals. He loved people, therefore he was truly a good neighbor, always ready to help whenever and wherever he might be needed.

His deepest interests were his home, his children and his grandchildren. His happiest moments were when all were gathered about him.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

He leaves to mourn their loss his wife, his daughter and his son; a daughter-in-law, Florence Rankin: four grandchildren, Linda Archibald, Tony, Timm and Rhonda Rankin; two sisters, Pearl Beer and Jennie Matheson; two brothers-in-law, Willis Beer and Hugh Matheson; a niece, Beryl Loeffler; four nephews, Keith, Stanley and Craig Beer and Lester Matheson; as well as many other relatives and a vast number of friends.

I think that God can never send
A gift so precious as a friend
A friend who always understands
And meets each need as it demands.
Whose loyalty will stand the test
When skies are bright or overcast.
Who sees each fault that merits blame
But keeps on loving just the same.
Who can do far more than creeds can do
To make us good to make us true.
Earth’s gifts sweet enjoyment lends
But only God can give a friend.

Paul was just such a friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services were held Thursday, May 16, 1957 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Don Arthur of Farmington officiating at the Burnett-Catcott Funeral Home in Keosauqua. Interment was at Center Chapel Cemetery. Nearly 1000 people attended Paul’s services, a great tribute to a great man.

Source; Iowa Rankin and Jenny Matheson newspaper clippings