Richard A. "Dick" Rankin of Lakeside Park, KY has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
What we offer here is gratitude wrapped in remembrance.
Richard held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Belief, when lived, becomes a kind of inheritance.
Richard A. "Dick" Rankin, 84, of Lakeside Park, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, Kentucky.
Born April 8, 1942, to Otwell and Katherine Rankin, Dick lived a life defined by dedication to his family, his profession, and his community. He was raised in Erlanger, Kentucky, the eldest of three brothers. The family was actively engaged in the life of their neighborhood, including membership at Erlanger Methodist Church, where his mother was the longtime organist. Dick graduated from Lloyd Memorial High School in Erlanger and earned his bachelor's degree from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, later obtaining an MBA from the University of Kentucky. An athlete and musician, he played baseball and basketball in both high school and college and was a trombonist in the Lloyd band.
Dick met his wife, Cynthia Creaghead, of Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, through mutual friends, and they married in 1968 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Covington, Kentucky. "Dinnie" was the love of Dick's life, and the couple enjoyed socializing with friends and family, attending and supporting their church, vacationing by the beach, and lovingly raising their three daughters, Jennifer, Katie, and Sara.
Dick became a CPA after graduate school, working first for Arthur Andersen before joining his father at the firm he founded, Rankin, Rankin & Co. After his father's passing, Dick became managing partner, a role he held proudly for more than 50 years, loyally serving clients whom he also considered friends.
Dick gave generously of himself to his community, having served as a member and chairman of the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Board of Trustees and a member of Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Lakeside Park, Kentucky, where he was an Elder and served on numerous committees. He could be heard singing hymns with his booming baritone from the same pew each Sunday, followed by greeting fellow congregants after services with a warm smile, hearty handshake, and his signature "Hey, babe" salutation. He remained closely connected to his alma maters, especially Centre College, where he volunteered in various capacities. He loved organizing Homecoming reunions with classmates and gathering at the historic Beaumont Inn nearby for nostalgia-filled weekends. Classmates came to rely on Dick to keep them updated on the goings-on of their fellow alumni.
Continuing family tradition, Dick had a lifelong interest in politics and current affairs. He was active in Kentucky state politics and organized campaigns at the regional level for Democratic candidates he believed in. Dick was also a proud 50-year member of Fort Mitchell Country Club, where, in his younger years, he enjoyed playing tennis, spending time at the pool with his girls, and chatting up friends old and new.
Above all, Dick loved people. Known for his dry, quick wit, Dick had a stable of one-liners that enlivened every conversation and never failed to embarrass his children. After Cynthia's passing in 2003, Dick continued to find new ways to nurture his family relationships and friendships, finding joy in gatherings large and small. A devoted family man, Dick especially cherished time spent with his children and their families, attending nearly every sporting event, recital, and play. In recent years, he enjoyed gathering for breakfast and coffee with friends, always ready for meaningful conversation. Dick will be remembered for showing up for others in times of celebration and in need, a value he instilled deeply in his family.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia Rankin née Creaghead; parents Otwell and Katherine Rankin; and brothers Thomas P. Rankin and Harry D. Rankin.
Dick is survived by his devoted daughters: Jennifer (Norman) Rankin Byrne, Katherine (Jeffrey) Rankin Syroney, and Sara Courtice Knapke; grandchildren: Griffin and Linden Byrne, Oscar and Ivy Syroney, Noah, Mia, and Owen Knapke; son-in-law Douglas Knapke; sisters-in-law Jimmie Rankin and Cheryl Rankin Van Stockum; brother- and sister-in-law Joseph and Ellen Creaghead; companion Carolyn Mifflin; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Dick will be laid to rest in a private burial next to Cynthia and alongside his parents and brothers at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
A celebration of Dick's life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. and a memorial service at 12:30 p.m., at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, 2690 Dixie Highway, Lakeside Park, Kentucky 41017. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Lakeside Presbyterian Church DONATE, Centre College DONATE, or Cincinnati Public Radio DONATE.
Online condolences can be made at www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com.
Linnemann Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Richard A. Rankin.
