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Born: May 27, 1940 - Deceased: July 16, 2024
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David “Ken” Rank, Jr, 84, of Belleville Il, born Saturday, May 27, 1940 to D. Kenneth Rank Sr. and Mildred (nee Kast) Rank, passed away Tuesday, July 16th after a sudden and very brief illness. Ken joins his wife, Shirley (nee Theobald) Rank, who passed in February 2021.
Ken graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1958 and Belleville Junior College in 1960, where he played on the football team. After college he worked as a freelance photographer contributing to several publications, including covering Senator John F. Kennedy’s visit to St. Louis in 1960. Ken served as an airman (A2C E-3) in United States Air Force, being honorably discharged in 1964.
Ken and Shirley became engaged in August of 1965 and married May 21, 1966. He was retired from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital (Belleville), leaving not long after his wife retired from the same facility.
Being devout, he frequently attended a variety of churches but was a lifelong and active member of Signal Hill Lutheran Church in Belleville, and a member of American Legion Post 1255.
Ken was preceded in death by his:
- Wife: Shirley J. Rank
- Parents: David “Kenneth” Sr and Mildred E. (nee Kast) Rank
- Brother: Gerald L. Rank
- In-laws: Harold “Chick” and Wanda Theobald
Surviving are his:
- Son: Timothy D. Rank
- Daughter: Elizabeth J. (Matthew) DeSuza
- Grandchildren
- Eleanor L. Rank
- Maureen
- Haley Calhoun
- David Calhoun
- Dakota DeSuza
- Lifelong friend: Bill (Sylvia) Lorenz
- Close family friends: Ruth and Paul Ralfs
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Signal Hill Lutheran Church or American Legion Post 1255.
Funeral: A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL.
5 Comments
Ken was a Loyal Member of Belleville American Legion Post 1255. He attended our monthly meetings when he was able. He will be missed by our Post. R.I.P. Comrade.
I knew Ken through Boy Scout Troop 12 when his Son and my Son were involved. So SORRY for your LOSS.
Our family cherished talking with Mr. Rank at several of Troop 12 flag retirement ceremonies. He shared wonderful stories and knowledge. He truly showed the kids dedication and respect. His presence really made an impact with the kids and adults. I’m grateful to have spoken with him this past Memorial Day and listened to him read about our flag. Our prayers are with all his loved ones.
Deepest sympathies. Ken was a longtime Stookey resident and contributor to the Legion and Boy Scout Troop 12. He always had some great stories to tell.
Ken joined our ROMEO’s group at Bob Evans several years ago where lively conversations and good friendships have been created over the years. He enjoyed our friendship very and he liked to tell stories like the rest of us. He enjoyed our Winstanley Baptist services on Sunday and Wednesday nights. Our prayers and thought are with his family as you work through his death but rejoice in the memories of his life. May God Bless all y’all as remember Kenneth good deeds and his good times.