Stephen Gale Rankin, 61, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois died 8:55 a.m. Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon.

He was born Friday, Feb. 29, 1952, in Mt. Vernon, the son of Charles “Curly” W. and Virginia (Metje) Rankin. He married Debbie Joy on Aug. 14, 1976, in Mt. Vernon.

Stephen worked for and retired from the National Railway. He was a member of Bakerville Freewill Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Rankin; son, Derek Rankin and wife Mao of Panama; three daughters, Keyma Pabst and husband Daren of Atlanta, Kelsey Gauthier and husband Curtis of Great Lakes and Kenzie Rankin of Mt. Vernon; two brothers, Dr. Ron Rankin of Mt. Vernon and Gerold (Jerry) Rankin and wife Carylle of Mt. Vernon; two sisters, Rande Rankin Dishong and husband Dr. Jerry of Olney and Vickie Joseph and husband Gary of Mt. Vernon; half brother, Mick Rankin and wife Rosie of Mt. Vernon; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In honor of Stephen's wishes, he was cremated and a memorial service held at Bakerville Freewill Baptist Church in Jefferson County with the Rev. David Milburn officiating.

Mt. Vernon (IL) Register-News ~ March 15, 2013