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Jerry Rankin

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Jerry “Wes” Rankin, 79, of Avella, passed away peacefully, Sunday evening, October 9, 2022, in his home with his wife and sons by his side.

He was born on October 7, 1943, in Washington, son of the late Harry E. “Casey” and Emma Jean Dunmire Rankin.

Wes was a lifelong resident of Avella and was a 1961 graduate of Avella High School.

He worked as a truck driver most of his life; hauling equipment for Rust Engineering and driving a triaxle dump truck for Alex E. Paris Contracting Company, and then was an equipment operator for Brooke County Landfill.

After retiring Wes always kept busy; he had several part-time jobs over the years. He was a valet for The Classroom restaurant and a delivery driver for NAPA Auto Parts, in Bridgeville. He was also the proud owner / operator of his tractor trailer business, J & B Trucking.

Wes was a former member of Polar Star Mutual Benefit Society, Avella Athletics and the 300 Club. He loved classic cars and trucks, and was a member Burgettstown Area Cruisers.

In his youth, he played fastpitch softball for Cross Creek and never missed the opportunity to see his sons play sports; even if it meant driving all night long to get back in town.

He bowled in the Washington County Bowling League, “The Rankin Bowling Team”, he played Dartball at St. John Church in Avella, where they had won the championship. Wes was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed watching all sports; but he especially loved drag racing, NASCAR and Sprint car racing.

He treasured his family and friends and loved to watch his grandson’s sporting events; he never missed the annual Rankin family picnic on the Rankin farm; where they would play Euchre, Softball and Volleyball.

On June 10, 1967, in Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, he married Bonnie Lou Boni, who survives.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 55 years are two sons, Brad (Michelle) Rankin of Avella and Craig (Beth Ann) Rankin of Johnstown; two grandsons, Braden and Nathan Rankin; a brother, Gary (Beverly) Rankin of Langeloth; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12, in the Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., 18 Campbell Street, Avella, PA 15312, where services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 13.

Inurnment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Concordia Hospice of Washington, 10 Leet Street, Washington, PA 15301, or the Avella Athletics, PO Box 204, Avella, PA 15312.

Condolences may be expressed at stefkovichfuneralhome.com.

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