RANKIN, Horace "Roger" - b. May 23, 1936 - d. March 29, 2011

[patyrn]

Elaine Rankin posted on Facebook that her brother, Roger, passed away this morning at his home.  Services will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Elk Valley High School in Longton.  

[patyrn]

Horace "Roger" Rankin, age 74, a resident of Longton, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at his home.  He was born on May 23, 1936 in Elk City, Kansas, the son of Horace Cline "Pony" and Madge Inez (Crowell) Rankin.

Family members said Mr. Rankin had been terminally ill, suffering from the effects of a brain tumor.  His wife, Ammie, said Roger was able to stay at home during his illness and do all the things he enjoyed doing.

Roger was a school administrator in Missouri and Kansas for many years.  He served as both Principal and Superintendent for Elk Valley School District in Longton before his retirement.  On March 3, 1994, Roger was united in marriage to Ammie Elaine Dougherty in Longton, Kansas.  Roger was a member of the Longton Community Christian Church, Hope Lodge #155 AF&AM in Howard, Kansas, Lions Club, Elks Lodge, Optimist Club, Rotary, Kansas and Missouri Secondary Principal's Association, and USA Administrator member.

Roger is survived by his wife, Ammie, of Longton, Kansas; one son, Chris Rankin of Raymore, Missouri; two daughters, Cherrelle Valentini of Kansas City, Missouri and Cathy Coppes of Chandler, Arizona; three stepdaughters, Mary Love and LeeAnn Beem of Longton, Kansas, and Tina Jackson of Crown Point, Indiana; one sister, Elaine Rankin of Winfield, Kansas, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Pony and Madge Rankin; one brother, Richard Rankin; and one granddaughter, Angelina Mills.

Visitation will be Friday, April 1, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the Elk Valley High School Gymnasium in Longton, Kansas with Pastor David Sanchez officiating.  Interment will follow with Masonic rites at the Longton Cemetery.

Family suggests memorial contributions to either the Longton Historical Society or the Elk County Ministerial Alliance which may be left with the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.countrysidefh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(published in the Prairie Star 3/30/2011)