BUXTON- Eugene Russell Rankin, age 95, of Narrangansett Trail, passed away on Sept. 11, 2014 at his residence, surrounded by family.
He was born in Buxton on August 10, 1919, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Cressey) Rankin, and grew up in a home a short distance from his current residence.
After graduating from Buxton schools, he went on to proudly serve in the US Army during WWII. He served in the 14th Armored Division in Europe and was one of the first soldiers to assist in the liberation of the concentration camps. He received a bronze star for heroism displayed during the war.
After the war concluded, he went on to work for seven years for Prudential Insurance. He retired as a manager after 27 years of service with the US Postal Service in Venice, CA. He then returned to Maine and built a retirement home on his father's land in Buxton.
He will always be remembered as an easy-going man who enjoyed animals, watching and feeding the deer in his yard, doing yard-work and keeping his yard immaculate, being with family, and reminiscing about WWII. He also enjoyed visits from Philip and Maxine Flint, Glennis Mowatt, Ed Newell and other great neighbors.
He was a member of Buxton Masonic Lodge #115 AF&AM, Scottish Rite – Valley of Portland, and Kora Shrine Temple.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife- Wilena (Flint) Rankin who passed away in 2012; his daughter- Donna LaPointe and her husband Edward; sisters- Bessie Merrill, Eleanor Townsend and Avis Bailey; granddaughter- Linda Codispoti; and special friends- Wilfred and Helen Dale.
He is survived by his favorite cat- Kitty; daughter Janice Macey of Windham; sister- Gracie Pinette of AZ; grandchildren- Eugene LaPointe, Robin Huff, Kim and Kellie Codispoti, Nancy MacKenzie, and Donna Nasworthy; six great grandchildren; and one great great granddaughter.
A graveside service with US Army and Masonic Honors, will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 3 PM at the South Buxton (Tory Hill) Cemetery – Woodman (New) Section.
Arrangements are with Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, (207) 929-3723.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, Maine 04098