Elmer Dean Rankin

Elmer Dean Rankin, 82, of Galesburg, formerly of Alexis, died at 7:40 a.m. Sunday, December 31, 2017, at Heartland Health Care Center, Galesburg. Dean was born September 1, 1935 in rural Raritan. He married Helen Theresa Levins on December 8, 1956 in West Burlington, IA. She preceded him in death on April 19, 2015. Dean is survived by four sons, Greg (Margo) of Rapids City, Michael (Nancy) of Raritan, James (Thelma), and Ronald (Shaojin) of Edison, NJ; two daughters, Therese (Dennis) Dexter of Litchfield Park, AZ and Mary Beth Rankin of Galesburg; eleven grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Along with his wife and parents, Dean was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. Dean was a hard working life-long proud farmer and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and fun loving attitude. Dean enjoyed spoiling his pets, model railroading, and telling a good story.  Dean also served in the US Naval Reserves. Cremation rites will be accorded. A visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. Memorial services will follow at 1 p.m. Pastor Mark Dexter will officiate. Interment of cremated remains will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. Memorials may be left in Dean’s memory to the First Church of the Open Bible.