Donald Prince Rankin

Donad was born on July 07, 1934, in Youngstown Ohio to Scott and Thelma Rankin. The seventh child that was born on the seventh day. He graduated from North High School in 1952. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force. During his time in the Air Force, he met his wife “Thel” in Thailand and they married in 1970. From this union they had 3 children, Michelle, Donald Jr. and Jason. He served until 1977. He would then follow his Air Force career and became a Federal Police Officer for the Federal Government until he retired in 1997.

Donald had a love for collecting old vintage cars, with Cadillac being his favorite. Donald was a man of Christ and attended Clinton Christian Assembly. His hobbies included listening to jazz music on his Reel to Reel with his favorite artist Errol Garner. He also loved playing the piano on a regular basis. Of course, his favorite was Thai food as Thel would make it regularly at home. He also loved buffets as he would say “he wanted a variety”. To those who knew him knew that he loved to stay suited and booted. He had coordinating ties along with shoes and cufflinks. He favored Harold Pener as his place to purchase his suits.

In his later years, he loved to take long walks in the neighborhood with the neighbors. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren Marquis and Jasmine and most recently his great granddaughter Khaylani Skye.

Donald Prince Rankin Sr. was granted his wings on February 10, 2026, peacefully surrounded by family. He was a devout husband, brother, uncle, cousin who was witty and was a great conversationist with a lot of wisdom.

Donald is survived by his children Kimu-Ito Richard, Michelle Rankin, Donald Rankin Jr. and Jason Rankin and his grandchildren Marquis Rankin and Jasmine Grant and his great granddaughter Khaylani Rankin. Also, his older brother Stanley Rankin and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Thel Rankin, his parents Scott and Thelma Rankin, Shirley Weatherall, Jane Jenkins, Jean Stewart, Dorothy Garay, Francis Jones, Leonard Rankin, Ronald Rankin, Clarence Rankin, Harold Rankin, Felix Rankin, Scott Rankin Jr., Larry Rankin.

Service details are forthcoming.