Michael “Mike” Rae Rankin, 76, passed away in Springfield, Missouri on March 15th, 2022 following a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Mike was born July 16th, 1945, in Coffeyville, KS to Sam and Irene Rankin. His father, Sam H. Rankin, Jr. retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel and served in both the Korean War and World War II.

Mike was raised on various Air Force bases, but he considered Brenham, Texas his hometown as both sets of Grandparents lived there.

After graduating from high school in Spokane, WA, in 1963, Mike moved to Missouri where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Central Missouri in 1967. Shortly after, he enlisted in the Army and completed Officer Candidate School at Fort Belvoir, VA, where many letters urgently requesting cookies were mailed home.  Mike bravely fought in the Vietnam War as a First Lieutenant in the Army Transportation Corps from 1969 to 1970.

After returning from Vietnam, he made Springfield, Missouri home, and later earned an MBA from Missouri State University.

In 1968 he married Deborah Harmon, with whom he had 3 daughters: Heather, Ashley, and Summer. They divorced, and he was fortunate to find love again, marrying Karen Bench in 2008.  His pride and joy were his 3 daughters, whom he taught to love and play music, be both respectful and curious, and value education. Every event they participated in was recorded by him, whether sports, horseback riding, cheerleading or theater. He always had time and patience for their many interests.

Mike was the President of Central Mortgage Bancshares for 25 years, where he was awarded Greene County Boss of the Year and was President of the Mortgage Bankers Association and Public Building Corporation of the City of Springfield.  He served on many boards over the years: Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau Director, President of Springfield Area Arts Council, Victims Center, Chairman of Springfield Branson Regional Airport, and Twin Oaks Country Club, where he was a long-time member and played MANY rounds of golf over the last four decades. Despite the Parkinson’s, Mike could still hit a draw with his favorite Big Bertha driver even as walking became difficult.

Volunteering with multiple organizations brought Mike much joy, whether on camera at PBS pledge drives, or behind the lens at the Springfield Little Theater, Artsfest, or any of his daughters’ events.  He was a proud member of Mensa International.

He enjoyed many years as a member of the Downtown Springfield Rotary, especially cherishing his time as Sergeant At Arms. He had a fantastic sense of humor and was always quick with a joke, regardless of whether it was appropriate.  Longtime member of the Downtown Springfield YMCA, Mike was part of a running group with Kirk Heyle, Jim Lewis, and Mike Phillips. Mike spent many lunch hours running the streets of Springfield, frequently enjoying a bowl of chili from Mrs. Gailey afterward.

Mike obtained his pilot’s license, adding another hobby to his roster. He was an AOPA and Missouri Pilots Association member, spending many carefully logged flying hours in his Piper Lance. When Lewy Body Dementia stole his ability to find words, he could still correctly identify any aircraft he heard flying over.

Mike was politically active, participating in many Republican campaign fundraisers. He enjoyed discussing and writing about politics, and had several opinion pieces published in the Springfield News Leader over the years under the pen name ‘Rusty Rankin’. He was a proud NRA member, avid gun collector, and Dallas Cowboys fan.

He remained in touch with his army comrades from Officer Candidate School, and got together for many class 508A, 1968 reunions.

Mike and Karen were avid Missouri State athletics fans, where they spent countless hours cheering for the Bears, particularly the baseball team.

The Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks connected Mike with Rock Steady Boxing and music therapy, where he enjoyed drumming, singing, and the many new friendships he formed over the last 6 years. Ever the Renaissance man, Mike enjoyed theater, arts, and playing the guitar just as much as he enjoyed playing tennis, snow skiing, scuba diving and waterskiing.

We will forever remember his many one-liners and calm, supportive demeanor.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Sam H. Rankin, Jr.

Survived by his wife, Karen Rankin and her daughter, Tisha Bench. Beloved Mother, Irene Rankin, and sister Patricia Carlson. Daughters: Heather, Ashley Whobrey (Tim), and Summer (Ajay Pillai). Grandchildren Kelton and Kenzie Whobrey, and special friend and caregiver, Lisa Bailey.

The Rankin family would like to thank the Manor at Elfindale for the love and care they provided when he needed it most. Special thanks to Compassus hospice for their support and comfort as Mike concluded his earthly life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks in his honor, https://www.parkinsonsgroup.org/get-involved, or the Downtown Springfield Rotary Club’s scholarship fund, https://downtownrotaryspringfieldmo.org/ .

Funeral services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2852 S. Dayton Avenue, where Mike was a long time member, at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 7th. Burial with military honors following at Springfield National Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at Greenlawn East, 3540 E. Seminole Street from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6th.