Keith G. Rankin, 38, of Lancaster, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 25, 2011 while on performance of his duties. He was born in Lancaster to Nancy L. (Meisky) Rankin Crawford and the late J. Martin Rankin.

Keith is survived by his wife, Abby L. (Zerfoss) Rankin, of Lancaster. They were married on May 6, 2006.

Keith was a graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School class of 1992.

Keith was employed as a PA State Constable.

He was a volunteer firefighter for 23 years. Keith began his love of firefighting at the age of 14. He was a life member of the Lancaster Township Fire Department. He was a Lieutenant and former Assistant Chief with the Lancaster Township North Station. He was awarded "Firefighter of the Year" after rescuing a civilian from a burning building.

Keith was a member of the First Reformed UCC Church.

His hobbies included routing for the New York Yankees and Notre Dame Football, photography, playing with electronic gadgets, cooking, traveling to Jamaica and Portugal, and playing with his two dogs, Otis and Bear.

Surviving in addition to his wife, are two step-daughters, Sarah E. Zerfoss, and Meaghan L. Austin, both of Lancaster, brother, The Rev. Christopher M. Rankin, of Cleona, two sisters, Nicolle "Nikki" L. Crawford and Heather L. Crawford, both of Lancaster, step -sister, Angela, wife of Jason Stoudt, of Manheim, step-mother, Tina Balmer Rankin, of Manheim, mother-in-law, Virginia "Ginger" Dorr, of Zephyrhills, FL, two aunts, Jackie A. Meisky, of Lancaster, Jill L., wife of Dennis Lucas, of Columbia, and an Uncle John Meisky, husband of Connie, of Lancaster. He was preceded in death by both his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Funeral Service on Thursday, September 28, 2011 at 2:30pm at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 3110 Lititz Pike with the Rev. Dave Bushnell officiating.  Viewings will be held on Wednesday from 5-9pm and again on Thursday from 1-2:30pm at Snyder's at 3110 Lititz Pike. Interment will be in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Keith's memory to Lancaster Township Fire Department, PO Box 210, Bausman, PA 17504. To send the family an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100