WEST BALDWIN- Joe Albert Rankin was born October 21, 1939, in West Baldwin, Maine, the
son of Philip E. and Janet Locke Rankin. He passed away on May 23, 2022.
Joe grew up in West Baldwin and attended school there. He graduated from Fryeburg
Academy where he was a member of the F.F.A.
After graduating, he enlisted in the Air Force where he served time in the States, England
and France for 4 years.
On June 9, 1962, he married the love of his life, Rita Bliss who attended Nasson College
and graduated from Gorham State Teachers College. They would have celebrated their
60th anniversary on June 9th. Joe served the last year of his enlistment stationed at
Limestone Air Base in Maine. He and Rita had an apartment in Caribou. She taught
school there. When the year was over, they moved home to West Baldwin. Joe worked
in several places before going to work for S.D. Warren in Westbrook. He retired from there
and worked part time for Knowles Industrial Services.
Joe loved to hunt, fish and go up to camp. A year ago, he went on a moose hunt to Northern
Maine and loved it! He got to do the cooking and he just loved it!! He especially loved
farming, couldn't wait to get out in the hayfield on his tractor! Joe and Rita got their most
enjoyment with family gatherings! Rankin reunion, Locke reunion, Bliss family events- their
love for family was strong!
Joe was predeceased by his loving wife, Rita and both his parents.
He leaves a son- Joseph Daryl Rankin; a daughter- Amanda Jackson and partner Kermit of West
Baldwin; sisters- Linda R. Sanborn and husband John and Deborah R. Day of West Baldwin; grandchildren- Joseph and wife Krista, Nicole and husband Gordon; Richard and Deanna; and great grandchildren- Brayden, Liam, Charlie, Gabby and Addison.
Joe and Rita will be sadly missed by the people in this town. Our hearts and prayers are with
the family at this time.
A graveside service for both Joe and Rita will be held on Thursday June 9 (their anniversary) at 6 PM at the Old West Baldwin Cemetery (next to the fire station), Rt. 113, West Baldwin.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home website, www.mainefuneral.com