William M. Rankin

William Rankin Found Dead Tues.

William Rankin, 72, rancher north of Lance Creek, was found dead in his home about 5:00 p.m. Tuesday by his son, Roy. He was last seen Saturday evening and apparently died that same evening from a chronic heart condition.

A light was on in his home at the time he was found. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at the Mortuary Chapel in Douglas.

William Rankin Services Held
The Lusk Herald, April 16, 1959

Funeral services were held Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in Douglas for William M. Rankin, 73, of Lance Creek. The Rev. Clyde Thompson conducted the services at Stark's Chapel. Burial was in the Douglas Park Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were John Sullivan, Don Emery, Jim Thompson, Robert Dixon, and Floyd Turner. Honorary pallbearers were Leonard Shaw, Archie Alexander, Wesley Wiker and Paul Miller.

William M. Rankin was born in Franklin, N. C. September 17, 1886. He came to Wyoming at an early age, Being employed by the Gibson Livestock Company and as foreman of the Fiddleback Company. He started a business of his own and added to his possessions until he gradually owned a ranch. He was in partnership with Wesley Wiker of Douglas for a number of years.

He and Julia McCartney were married November 25, 1918. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Robert Jenne of Cheyenne, Mrs. Clinton Copeland of Denver, and one son, LeRoy Rankin of Lance Creek, who was associated with his father in ranching. Six grandchildren also survive.

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