Warren man’s will leaves cash to Akron burn center

A conference room at the burn center has been
dedicated in Rank’s memory.

WARREN — A Warren man, Walter Ray Rank, a Thomas Steel Strip retiree, has left $656,368 to Akron Children’s Hospital’s Dr. Clifford R. Boeckman Regional Burn Center.

According to the hospital, Rank lived a modest life with a simple house in Warren. The value of his estate shocked many, but unbeknownst to family and friends, he had invested in U.S. Government bonds and stock for many years.

Akron Children’s was named beneficiary of the remainder of his estate, including U.S. bonds and stocks, after several other monetary gifts were presented to family, friends and other entities, according to the hospital.

Though Rank’s generosity was no surprise to those who knew him, his connection to Akron Children’s is not readily apparent, as Rank had no children or personal experience that he had shared with the burn center. However, friends and neighbors recall his sharing the story of a co-worker at Thomas Steel having a child treated at the burn center at Akron Children’s many years ago.

“His friends theorize that Mr. Rank was moved when the hat was passed around to help with the expenses the fellow employee occurred,” said Thomas Carey, Rank’s attorney.

“We think that moment made an indelible impression on Mr. Rank and served as his motivation for this generous gift,” Carey said.

To honor Rank’s gift, a conference room has been dedicated in his memory, hospital officials said.

Rank was born Sept. 10, 1915, in Coshocton, the son of C. Howard and Carolyn Taylor Rank. He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Warren. He died at age 90 on Aug. 29, 2006, at home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Emma N. Grill Rank.