Duane Rankin
Richard “Duane” Rankin, formerly of Mexico, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Kansas City surrounded by his immediate family.
A mass of Christianburial will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, July 22, at St. Brendan Catholic Church in Mexico with burial to follow at St. Brendan Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11a.m.-12 p.m. on Friday at Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico.
Duane Rankin was born in Walnut, Kan. on Jan. 9, 1934, to Ruby Alberta Terhune and Richard Ira Rankin. Duane graduated from Northeast High School of Lincoln, Neb. in 1951, and attended the University of Nebraska on a football scholarship, graduating with a degree in biological science and physical education in 1956.
While attending the University of Nebraska, Duane met his bride, Mary Jane Mapes, where they both graduated in 1955 and were married in August of that same year. In 1957, Duane graduated from the University of Iowa with his masters in physical therapy.
Duane fulfilled his military obligation in 1959 but continued his service in the US Army National Guard until he retired as a lieutenant colonel 1994.
In 1960, Duane moved his wife and two children, Michael Duane and Therese Marie to Mexico, to start up a new physical therapy department at Audrain Medical Center. William Anthony and Matthew Richard were born in Mexico, where Duane and Jane Rankin made their home for the next 61 years.
Duane made many contributions to the medical profession by serving as a clinical instructor with the University of Iowa in 1958-59 and University of Missouri in 1965. He also served as the Chairman and member of Missouri Physical Therapy Association Legislative and Licensure Committee from 1969 to 1980, and as Chairman of the Missouri Physical Therapy state convention in 1969.
While living in Mexico, Duane served in a number of civic positions. He was elected to the Mexico, city councilman for eight years, was a member and chairman of Audrain County Cerebral Palsy school, member of the Mexico Parks and Recreation Board, and member of the Society for Crippled Children and Adults.
He was an active member of the Mexico Missouri Rotary Club and also served as president of the Mexico Historical Society.
Jane and Duane were members of Saint Brendan Catholic Church in Mexico, Missouri. They moved to Kansas City, Missouri, in 2020 where they became members of Saint Gabriel’s Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Rankin of Kansas City, Missouri; four children, Michael Rankin and his wife, Sue, of Richmond, Texas, Therese Rankin of Liberty, Missouri, Matthew Rankin and his wife, Laura, of Kansas City, and Bill and Anne Rankin of Wheaton, Ill. Duane and Mary Jane have four grandchildren, Patrick, Jessica, Lauren, and Krista; and six great-grandchildren, Anna, Erica, Micah, Koah, Sterling, and Angel.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Duana Dralus.
Memorials may be made to St. Brendan in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.
