Troy “Gordon” Rankin

Troy “Gordon” Rankin, 91, of Canyon Lake, Texas, died on Thursday, April 25, 2024, surrounded by family members. He was born on May 27, 1932 in Pearsall to Addie Mary and Boyd Miller Rankin.

He is survived by his wife Bettie, seven sons and daughters, 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Gordon grew up in Cotulla, as well as on the family farm outside of Cotulla, which was purchased in 1943.

He was an excellent high school athlete playing football, basketball, and running track. He was also a cattle expert and successful in the cattle business. In fact, the superintendent of high schools would take Gordon out of classes to attend the local cattle auction as his expertise was needed for buying cows.

He attended Rice Institute (now Rice University) on a football scholarship. During his first year, however, he suffered a career-ending injury. As a result, he paid his way through college by working at the athletic training table, as well as selling sandwiches, donuts, and cigarettes in the dorms. He graduated with a degree in physical education.

After college, he joined the marines as a lieutenant as he had completed two years of ROTC in school. In the marines he led an artillery battery where he excelled due to the seriousness of the job, knowing the artillery fire would travel for miles.

In 1957, he began a career in the corrosion control industry working with Wayne Broyles Engineering installing cathodic protection systems. After two years, Mr. Broyles offered Gordon a job to lead and turn around Farwest Corrosion Control Company in Los Angeles, California. With a handshake, he accepted the position, moved his family west, and began his new career. When Farwest improved, he was given 20% of the company, became president, and in 1973 bought the remaining shares of the company. In business he was known for his integrity and as a result, the company grew. In 1987, he became president of NACE, the corrosion industry association.

Gordon enjoyed the country, raising animals, hunting, and the freedom that living in the country afforded him. Rarely would he be seen without one of his favorite guns, which started his extensive collection.

He was a prolific practical joker but was also known for his character, honesty, sense of humor, giving nature, his toughness, and his kindness.

A service in his honor was held on Friday, May 3 at Freedom Fellowship Church in New Braunfels, followed by a graveside service at Hill Country Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation in his honor to a favorite charity or a person in need would recognize his giving nature.