Walter "Donny" Donald Rankin

Walter Donald “Donny” Rankin, age 74, passed away on October 24, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. He was born on November 8, 1950, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Walter Dotson Rankin and Jacquelyn Boyd (Gast) Rankin.

Donny’s father served as an aviation navigator in Europe during World War II and later moved the family to Manhattan Beach, California, when Donny was a toddler. Donny attended Mira Costa High School and continued his education at El Camino College.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army and, following his service, worked at Boeing in Los Angeles. On October 19, 1996, he married Diane Bezdek. After his mother’s passing from cancer, Donny and Diane relocated to Waxahachie, Texas, to help care for her parents. During that time, he worked in aviation maintenance for American Airlines at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport.

Donny later moved his family to Hunt, Texas, where he found joy in small-town life along the beautiful Guadalupe River. He cherished seeing his son, Matthew, experience childhood in that peaceful setting. Matthew later followed his father’s example by serving in the U.S. Army and is currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, in aviation maintenance.

Donny is survived by his son Matthew; his brother David Rankin of Lacey, Washington; his sister Jacki Turner of Torrance, California; his ex-wife Diane; nieces and nephews Megan, Michele, Mike, Jeffrey, and Phillip; and cousins in Tuscaloosa.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nursing staff at River Hills Nursing Home and to Alamo Hospice Care for their exceptional care and kindness during Donny’s final days.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date for family and friends. Prayers for his son and surviving family members are deeply appreciated.

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