Larry Dean Rankin, 51, of Derby, Kansas, passed away on August 9, 2019, at home surrounded by his family. Larry was born Nov. 3, 1967 in San Diego, son of the late Larry Gene, and Mae Elaine (Koski) Rankin. Larry, a 1986 graduate of Stillwater High School, where he met his wife Denise, earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in journalism, public relations from Oklahoma State in 1992. While at OSU he worked in the athletic media relations office, publicizing the national championship wrestling team, the Sweet 16 women’s basketball team, and was the photo editor for the book, OSU: History-Making Basketball. Following graduation, he and Denise were married June 27, 1992 in First Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Emilyn Ott. Soon after, Larry and Denise’s work took them to Derby, KS where Larry started in the Wichita State Office of Athletic Media Relations as an assistant and moved into a role as assistant AD for athletic media relations. He served the University for 26 years. While at WSU he was responsible for media relations for WSU’s 15 Division I sports. He also was the media relations director for the 1996 College World Series baseball team, the 2011 NIT men’s basketball team and the 2013 Final Four basketball team. Larry also oversaw the media campaign surrounding Roundhouse Renaissance, the $25 million campaign to reconstruct Levitt Arena. Larry enjoyed the work he did over the years, and is thankful for the friends and colleagues he met along the way.
He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Gene, and grandmothers, Lillian Showalter and Toini Myllykangas Koski. Larry is survived by his wife, Denise; daughter, Bailey; sons, Garrett and Wyatt. He is also survived by his mother, Mae Rankin of Edmond, OK; in-laws, Dennis and Billie Silvers of Derby, KS; sister, Dawn (Jason) Freeman of Edmond, OK; sister-in-law, Allison (Derek) Beller of Verdigris, OK; nieces and nephews, Abby Beller, Avery Freeman, Gavin Freeman, Lily Beller, Zavier Freeman, and Sawyer Beller; and many other family and friends.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 14, from 5-7 pm, and funeral service on Thursday, August 15, at 10:00 am, both at Resthaven Mortuary.
Memorials may be made to Camp Kesem and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice for the care and support shown to the family during these times.
