Martin Earl Rankin

Funeral services for Martin "Bimbo" Rankin will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday August 2, 2011 at Family Life Church, with Pastor Marty Crump officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #42. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Monday August 1, 2011 at Gillette Memorial Chapel. Martin "Bimbo" Rankin, age 59, of Gillette, Wyoming passed away at his home surrounded by family on July 29, 2011 after a battle with cancer. Mr. Rankin was born November 17, 1951 in Newcastle, Wyoming the son of Harold and Dot (Thompson) Rankin. He was raised and educated in Upton, Wyoming and graduated from Upton High School in 1970. Upon his graduation he attended the University of Wyoming until entering into the Army in 1971. When he returned from the service, Bimbo went to work in the oil fields. In 1978, he married the love of his life, Beth Lopatka and together they moved following a drilling rig to Colorado and Idaho for a few years. He and his family then settled in Gillette, Wyoming in 1983. He worked for True Oil for the last 18 years. Bimbo enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He loved his family and his happiest times were always doing activities with his children and then later with his grandchildren. Bimbo never met a stranger and was always willing to help out where ever he saw a need. He never passed by anyone he saw broke down on the road without stopping. Bimbo loved to stop and visit with anyone at any time. He had many friendships that developed over the years. Friends and family made him feel life was "the greatest" and he was more than willing to share his philosophy and humor. Bimbo is survived by his wife, Beth Rankin; sons: Chris Rankin and Casin (Savannah) Rankin all of Gillette, Wyoming; two grandsons: Colter and Cayden; brothers: Marvin, Pudge, and Larry; sister, Debbie. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Cindy, and his great-nephew Tate. Memorials are suggest to benefit American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Martin's name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or condolences via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716