Robert Edward Rankin

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert Edward Rankin, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and cherished friend, who left us peacefully at the age of 75. He passed away on January 21, 2025, at his home, where he had spent countless hours tending to his garden, observing wildlife, and finding peace in the stillness of the world he so dearly loved. 

Robert was born December 17, 1949 to Vernon Leo Rankin and Elizabeth Nell Walker Rankin in Uvalde, Texas. After completing school he went on to work for the Department of Public Safety of Texas. Sergeant Rankin faithfully served the citizens of Texas for 28 years. He started as a Trooper in Decatur, then promoted to Sergeant in Laredo for 2 years, then returned home to Decatur to serve as Sergeant for the remainder of his career. He also served as County Commissioner in Wise County for one term. 

Robert will be remembered as an avid outdoorsman, from dove hunts, opening deer seasons, local fishing excursions, and Alaskan fishing adventures of a lifetime. He will always be remembered by his love for the great outdoors, and the great faith he had for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He never met a stranger, and we will all remember his love for storytelling. He had a great love for football, especially his UT team, and you would often find him refereeing local youth football games during Friday Night Lights. 

He was preceded by his parents Leo and Elizabeth; his sister, Sharon Easley; his brother-in-laws, Jack Easley and Fayne Driver; and his nephew, Jack Edward Easley

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Deborah Rankin of Decatur; his children, Nicole Castaneda and husband Elias of Sanger, and Scott Rankin and wife Ashley of Lubbock; his grandchildren, Mackenzie Reedy and husband William of Denton, and Gabriel, Isabel, and Abigail Castaneda of Sanger; his sister, Carolyn Driver Easley of Cotulla; his sister in law Regina Dickey and husband Wayne, and numerous nephews, great nephews, nieces, and great nieces. 

The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur, TX. Family will receive friends from 12:30 - 1:30 at the funeral home. 

Gerre Joiner will officiate. Honorary pallbearers will include his son and son in-law Scott Rankin and Elias Castaneda, his grandsons William Reedy, Gabriel Castaneda, and his nephews: Ralph Hoff, Jim Easley, Jody Easley, Angel Vasquez, GR Hoff, Dusty Hoff, Michael Lee Marshall, Tommy Ramsey, and Aaron Dickey.