Rankin Thomas Kaut, 77, died at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He fought a courageous battle with infection.
Rankin was born on June 9, 1937 in Chehalis, Washington to Rankin Sr. and Bonita Kaut. He attended schools in Kelso until 2nd grade, then Castle Rock, where he graduated in 1955. He played basketball from 3rd grade on, football from 7th grade on and baseball from 9th grade on. He received all-conference in football for tackle, all-conference in basketball in 1955 and all-conference in baseball in 1955 playing first base. He received all-district in basketball in 1955. Rankin went on to play and letter in basketball and football at Lower Columbia college and lettered in basketball at Central Washington University which was Central Washington College at that time.
To pay for his education, he worked hard working many hours and jobs. He worked in the woods, at the mill in Longview, on farms and as a milk tester for the state. During his senior high school year, he would work early in the morning on a farm, attend school and play ball.
Rankin attended Lower Columbia College and graduated from Central with a bachelor's degree in education in 1961. He began his teaching and coaching career in the West Valley School District in Yakima. He then went on to Renton, Onalaska and Adna school districts. He served as a teacher and coach for almost all sports, athletic director, principal and superintendent during his career. He was in education for over 40 years. He received an master's degree in school administration from Seattle Pacific University.
Rankin married Donna Iverson on Aug. 19, 1961. They were blessed with 53 years of marriage and lived in Onalaska since 1972. They also had a second home in Yuma, Arizona for 11 years where they went for the sunshine.
He belonged to the Onalaska Lions Club, was a scout leader, a leader in 4-H and a superintendent of gardening, woodworking and photography at the fair for a number of years. He coached Little League in Yakima right after college.
Rankin loved gardening, playing cards, reading and woodworking both carving and scroll saw work. He was an avid Seahawks and Mariners fan. He enjoyed traveling and going to the ocean to relax. He especially loved watching and keeping track of the grandkids and their sports and other activities. When he could he would be right there rooting for them on and giving them advice on their plays.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Donna of Onalaska, Washington; sons, Rick Kaut (Cerissa) of Napavine, Randy Kaut (Julie) of Centralia; daughter, Kimberly Dellinger (Bill) of Cle Elum, Washington; grandchildren, Chris Kaut (Kathleen) of Napavine, Trisha Bluhm (Lance) of Adna, Tyler Kaut and Justin Kaut of Napavine, Carissa Kaut and Landon Kaut of Centralia, Matthew Dellinger of Cle Elum, Erin Dellinger, who is attending George Fox University and Meghan Dellinger, who is attending Whitworth University; great-granddaughters, Hayden and Savannah Kaut; a brother, David Kaut from San Diego, California.
Rankin was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Henry Kaut.
Throughout his many physical problems, he has been an uncomplaining fighter, who has shown support and love to his family and friends. He will be truly missed and always remembered.
There will be a private family graveside service followed by a celebration of life on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. View Baptist Church, 1201 Belmont Ave, Centralia.
Memorial contributions are welcome to the Rankin Kaut Scholarship, Adna Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 93, Adna, WA 98522.
Arrangements under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home.
