Roger Rank

(From Midland Cremation Society)

Roger John Rank, 75, of Arma, KS passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO, surrounded by his family.

Roger was born on December 30, 1947, in Pittsburg, KS to Roger and Velma (Cerne) Rank. He graduated from Arma High School with the Class of 1965.

He married Diana Smilanic of Aurora, CO on March 10, 1979, in Aurora, CO and again the following day on March 11, 1979, in Pittsburg, KS. Diana survives of the home and was his loving caregiving until the very end.

Roger attended Fort Scott Jr. College, Kansas City Jr. College and Metro State College in Denver, CO. Roger later became a 1986 Kansas Law Enforcement Academy graduate sparking his career working for the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department in Girard, KS. 

After working various positions for the Department including, Process Server, Jailer, Transport Officer and lastly as a Deputy Sherriff, Roger followed a calling into the ministry. He moved with his family to Broken Arrow, OK to attend Seminary School at Rhema Training Bible Center. Following graduation from Rhema, Roger began serving as a missionary throughout the U.S, traveling to many churches across the nation and also served in short term missions outside the U.S including the West Indies, Mexico, Russia and Cuba.

Roger later went on to work for the Pittsburg Homeless Shelter as the Commodities Manager and as the On-Site Manager, for which he was awarded the SKIL Community Service Award in 2004 due to his work in the Human Services Initiative. He also worked for the Social Security Office in Pittsburg, KS, all while volunteering for the Salvation Army and serving as a lead volunteer support staff for “The Road” Men’s Recovery House in Webb City, MO. 

Roger was genuinely blessed and enjoyed his time at The Road throughout his tenure there. He was a faithful steward serving the program for over 12 years, making sure to be there every week for the men working to recoup their lives and begin again.

Throughout his life, Roger used his diverse background, love of theatre and acting, and excellent communication skills to further his knowledge working in the radio industry. His various DJ opportunities including KFTS (Ft. Scott, KS), WTKY AM (Thompkinsville, KY), KPCG FM (Joplin, MO) and lastly as a Radio Show Host for KSEK-ESPN 1340 Radio (Pittsburg, KS) from 2004 – 2015.
Roger truly led an exuberate life to say the least. His many career opportunities were no match for his many life experiences. 

In 2002, Roger became a Guinness Book of World Record Holder for walking on his hands for the longest time continuously. Whether it was a pickup basketball game at the Pittsburg YMCA, grocery shopping at Dillions or attending local sporting events, there is one thing people knew about Roger – he loved to talk and get to know others. 

One of his many talents he shared with others was guessing the month, day and year they were born. Roger was usually right on target and often guessed correctly, resulting in many people to suggest he was lucky and should buy a lottery ticket. Roger had a special gift of walking into a room and making everyone there feel acknowledged. He made it a point to always recognize someone, making others feel seen and heard. Whether it was a casual conversation with a stranger or a deep discussion with a close friend, he always made time for those around him.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Roger and Velma Rank, and his sisters, Velma Bogina of Lenexa, KS and Carmen Ginardi of Pittsburg, KS.

Additional survivors include his wife, children and their families; Diana (wife) Rank of the home, John (son) and Kristen Rank, children Charlie and Jacob of Arma, KS; Rachael (daughter) Rider, children Brock and Truman Rider of Prairie Village, KS; Michael (son) and Kelsie Rank of Vancouver, WA; Daniel (son) and Shelby Rank, and child Ruby of Pittsburg, KS; and Matthew (son) Rank of the home.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Open Door Fellowship located at 918 W. 20th. St. in Pittsburg, KS. 66762.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Road Ministries, 313 Rose Lane, Webb City, MO 64870.