Rankin

Robert Larry Rankin, fathered by George Paul Rankin and borne by Mary Lou (Youshock) Rankin, began his earthly tour in January 1942 in Grove City, and concluded it on May 15, 2023, at Butler Memorial Hospital.

He especially memorialized his upbringing years with John and Antonia Youshock and Steve and Mary Youshock in Browntown, Butler County, and with Charles and Mary Lou (Rankin) O’Planick.

He graduated from high school, received a degree in chemical engineering from Penn State and then worked for MSA.

Robert particularly valued his junior sidekick experiences with his Uncle Steve, along with uncle’s acquaintances, friends and interests!

Robert was privileged to have had experienced music genres broadcast through V1M/A AM and WDUQ FM that drew him in early to enjoy bluegrass, continental, country, American and gypsy Jazz; MJQ musicians performing at Village Vanguard, N.Y.; hearing the call for morning prayer at Kuala Belait, Brunei; climbing the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu; approaching, landing and departing Kai Tak Airport Kowloon, Hong Kong territories; ascending Victoria Peak Hong Kong Island; diving with Kathy to sunken war relics at Chuuk Lagoon, Caroline Islands; straddling the equator near Quito, Ecuador; and discovering William Barclay’s and Mark Twain’s offerings about the two most important days of one’s life, “The day you are born and the day you find out why.”

A blessed virtuous life event took place in September 1968 when Mary Kathleen Knoechel and Robert were married by Slippery Rock Creek Shore in West Liberty, Pa. Though Kathy died in 2008, she remained his cherished memories mate, welcoming each day’s adventures.

Robert is survived by his admirably accomplished siblings, David of Walkersville, Md., Richard of Wooster, Ohio, James, O’Planick of York, Pa., and Nancy (O’Planick) Robertson of Meridian, with their daughters’ and sons’ families.

Post decades study, Robert found that he valued Gandhi’s, “7 Dangers to Human Virtue,” and Bertrand Russell’s, “This has been my life. I have found it worth living.”

RANKIN — No services are planned at this time for Robert Larry Rankin, who died Monday, May 15, 2023.

Arrangements were handled by GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.

For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.