Merle R. Rankin

CARBONDALE - Merle R. Rankin, 75, of Carbondale passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 in Harrisburg.



Merle was born on November 16, 1945 in Springerton to Emerson and Ruby (Garrett) Rankin. He married Cheryl Diane Chase on December 23, 1967. She preceded him in death on December 23, 1997.



Merle served his country in the U.S. Army. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a clerk for 33 years until his retirement. Merle loved to golf and fish. He was a member of the American Legion in Springerton and the BPOE.



Merle is survived by his two children, Lori Wolff and husband Tom of Lake St. Louis, MO and Justin Rankin of Tulsa, OK; one grandchild Kyle Nowakowski of St. Louis, MO; brother, Charles Rankin and wife Jo of Carmi; brother-in-law, Gary Wilson of Minneapolis, MN and special friend Sue Chamness of Murphysboro.



He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Paul Eric Rankin; brothers, James, Wendell, Karen, Curtis, and Jesse 'Bill' Rankin; sisters, Mary Nelson, Betty Keen and Beverly Wilson.



Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Jesse Barge officiating. Burial will follow at the Oddfellows Cemetery in McLeansboro with Military Rites. Visitation will be 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Due to COVID restrictions no more than 50 people are allowed into the funeral home at one time along with the requirement of wearing a mask and social distancing.



To leave a story or memory of Merle, please visit www.meredithfh.com