Joe Rankin

Donald Joe Rankin, 83, of Maryville, MO, passed from this life on Monday, October 31, 2016, at his home near Maryville.

Joe was born in Bedford, IA, on November 26, 1932, to Carl Ordell and Frances Louise Masters Rankin, they preceded him in death. He was also preceded by his brother, Rolla Rankin, and his granddaughter, Julia Lynn Rankin.

Joe served his country first in the US Air Force as an Air Policeman, then served in the US Army as a helicopter pilot.

On November 26, 1950, Joe wed Jo Earlene Peery, at the Baptist Church Parsonage, in Maryville. She survives of the home.

He was of the Methodist Faith. And was a member of the Missouri Military Officers Association, St. Joseph, MO. He was awarded the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic’s Award for 50 years as an aviation mechanic. He also received the Wright Brother’s Master Pilot Award for 50 years of safe flying.

Joe was an airport operator for 52 years, first at the Maryville Municipal Airport, then he owned and operated Rankin Airport, east of Maryville, until his retirement.

His survivors include his wife Jo, of the home, 3 children, Marcha (Larry) Anderson, Maryville, Kevin (Debbi) Rankin, Maryville, and Jay (Joyce) Rankin Rockledge, FL, his sister, Mary Rankin, Omaha, NE, 4 grandchildren, Bryon (Stephanie) Rankin, Niceville, FL, Jamie Rankin, Santa Barbara, CA, Devin (Travis) Reed, Maryville, MO, and Bradley Rankin, Maryville, several great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, November 4, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church, Maryville, the visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Cremation will follow. Joe always dressed casual, so please come to the service casual.

Services are under the direction of the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the New Nodaway Humane Society, Maryville, MO.