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Gary Lee Rankin, 68, of Oak Point, TX, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024 in Denton, TX. Gary was born July 14, 1955 in Great Bend, KS to Leland Rankin and Betty Jo (Faber) Rankin. Gary married Georgya Ann Tombaugh. In 1976, Gary began his career in Law Enforcement with the Hoisington Police Department, in Hoisington, KS. Where he later graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center at The University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS in November 1977. He was with the Hoisington Police Department until 1981 and then took a break for a couple of years. He missed being in Law Enforcement, so he went back in 1990 to the Ness City Police Department, where he served as Chief of Police. He was nominated for the Exceptional Law Enforcement Performance during 1990. He became an ASP Tactical Baton Instructor and completed courses in Fire and Arson Investigation along with many other law enforcement certifications. Then from 1994 through 1996 he joined the Ness County Sheriff's Department where he was committed to serving and protecting the community he lived in. He and his family moved to Denton Texas in 1996 where he was hired by the Denton County Sheriff's Department serving as a Detention Officer for the next 18 years, retiring as a Corporal. During his years with the Denton County Sheriff's Department, he obtained his Texas Peace Officer certification. Gary was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandpa and always enjoyed being with his family. He loved to go camping, hunting, fishing, and motorcycle riding. He also loved to grill and smoke meat any chance he had even through rain, snow, sleet, or shine. Gary is survived by his wife, Georgya; son, David Bradley Rankin and wife Denae Michelle Rankin; daughter, Katrina Ann Atkins and husband Racy Cody Atkins; three granddaughters, Cheyanne Nicole Rankin, Dixie Michelle Rankin, and Shelby Madison Atkins; many cousins; and his dog Kamper. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Leland Rankin; mother, Betty Jo Jacobs; and stepfather, Victor Jacobs. There are no services scheduled at this time. Online condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Bradley R. Shotts and Slay Memorial Funeral Center.

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Gary Lee Rankin

July 14, 1955 - March 12, 2024