Robert Edward Rankin

Age 88 of Lake Clarke Shores, FL passed away June 22, 2018. Robert was born August 9, 1929 in Tampa, FL to Lucille V. Rankin and Edward K. Rankin. A graduate of H B Plant High School, FL 1947 and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 1954 (Cooperative Program). He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Ordinance Corps, in France during 1955 – 1956. He was production and research engineer for Continental Can Co. (Tampa & Chicago) 1957. Robert was Test Systems Project Engineer / Manager for Pratt & Whitney, FL Research & Development Center, 1958 – 1987. He was instrumental in establishing standards for piping, welding, and equipment for test area systems construction and standards for high pressure hydrogen and oxygen liquid and gas systems. He served as Project Manager / Supervising Engineer for test systems constructed for the P&W RL10 rocket engine, the J58 turbojet used on the SR71 (spy plane) and the test systems to develop the technology for the Space Shuttle Main Engines. He also served as Engineering Consultant with BRPH & EDF Engineering Companies 1958 – 2010, on various P&W, NASA, Navy & Army aerospace engine test facilities. Robert married Franz Amelia Vardaman in 1959. He is survived by wife, Franz A. Rankin; daughter, Diana Jacobs (Brad); son, Jeffrey E. Rankin (Jennifer); granddaughters, Sara and Olivia Jacobs; grandson, Benjamin Jacobs; granddaughters, Maxine and Kylee Rankin; niece, Michelle L. Thompson (RJ); nephews, Michael Rankin, G.A. Rankin, Jr.; sister-in-law, Betty Cressman. He was preceded in death by brother, Gene A. Rankin. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, 4601 South Flagler Dr., West Palm Beach, FL 33405. A reception will follow immediately. Graveside services will be held privately at Hillcrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to the church’s Property Fund at the address above.