Robert Benjamin Rankin

Robert Benjamin Rankin, resident of Throckmorton, Texas passed away Wednesday morning, July 9, 2014 at Throckmorton County Memorial Hospital in Throckmorton, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 12, 2014, at First Baptist Church in Throckmorton with Rev. Pete Parker officiating. Burial will take place immediately following the services at Throckmorton Cemetery in Throckmorton under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes. Visitation is planned for Friday evening, July 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the funeral home located at 107 N Austin.

Robert was born June 7, 1932, in Throckmorton, Texas to Lula Powell (Whitby) and Jack Aldre Rankin. Robert married Betty Davis on April 7, 1951, in Albany, Texas. Robert loved watching old westerns and enjoyed coon hunting.

Robert was a truck driver, owned B&B steak house in Throckmorton, and farmed until retiring in Throckmorton, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Lula Powell Rankin; daughter, Janice Cheramie; brothers, Jack W. Rankin, Guy Rankin, and George Rankin; sisters, Peggy Odom and Linda Key.

Robert is survived by his wife of over 63 years, Betty Rankin; Sons, Rickie Bob Rankin and wife Brenda, Randy Rankin and wife Connie, Rob Rankin and wife Rachel all of Throckmorton and Ronnie Rankin and wife Michelle of Whitesboro, Texas; 11 grandsons, Ben Cheramie, Rick Rankin, Nick Rankin, Devin Rankin, Dillon Rankin, Derek Rankin, Ridge Rankin, Hagen Bennett, Ethan Rankin, Tanner Rankin, and Bryce Rankin; 5 granddaughters, Melissa Cheramie Crappell, Robin Rankin, Haily Bennett, Brooke Rankin, and Amberlyn Rankin; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Lou Harrick of Throckmorton, Marjory Brown of Wichita Falls; brother, Larry Rankin of Spring, Texas.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com