Thompson Brooks "Buster" Rahn

Thompson Brooks "Buster" Rahn passed away on February 26, 2017, just one day after his 99th birthday. He was the son of Thomas and Ida Thompson Rahn, born February 25, 1918, in LaBelle, Florida and graduated from Union County High School at age 16. In January, 1942, he joined the United States Air Force, serving as Photo Lab Technician at the Army Airbase in Venice, Florida. While in Venice, he was promoted to the rank of Tech Sergeant, then was sent to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations until his discharge in December, 1945. Following military service, Mr. Rahn moved to Malone, Florida, where he worked as office manager and accountant for a GMC-Pontiac dealership, studying accounting under the GI Bill. In 1960, he was hired as industries accountant in the Division of Corrections at Raiford, and within a few months, was promoted to the top accounting position at Union Correctional Institution. He later became business manager at Florida State Prison, and retired on December 31, 1980. After retiring from corrections, Buster worked part-time for the Bradford County Telegraph, covering the news beat for about 15 years, writing a weekly column on a wide variety of subjects. He was also a member of the Starke Rotary for 18 years and the Blue Lodge. Buster was a faithful member of the Methodist Church until his death, never wavering in his faith. He taught adult Sunday school classes for 30 years, including classes for the New River Ramblers one Sunday each month for about ten years. In 1943, Buster married Atalyne Taylor in Worthington Springs, Florida. They were married for 50 years, until her death in January, 1994. In 1995, Buster married Ruth Taylor Mizelle; she died in April, 2002. In 2006, Buster married Mary Edwards Mixon, whom he had first dated while she was in high school 65 years earlier. Buster has been asked many times, "what is the secret to longevity?" His reply was always the same, "I walked the Starke golf course five days a week for more than twenty years. I wasnt a great golfer, but playing the game proved beneficial to my health." He is survived by his wife, Mary M. Rahn, children Charles Rahn of Orlando, Cynthia Bollini (Rich) of Palm Beach Gardens, Carol Rutland (Lewis) of Winter Park, Karen Wyman of Brooker, Rex Mixon (Susan) of New York, Larry Mixon (Reba) of Silver Springs, and Mark Mixon of Jacksonville. Also left behind are twelve grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. The family will receive friends at the First United Methodist Church of Starke on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with funeral services beginning at 11 oclock. Interment will follow at Elzey Chapel Cemetery, Lake Butler. Reverend Mike Moore will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606. Arrangements are by JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME OF STARKE 904-964-6200. Cemetery Elzey Chapel Cemetery 12626 SW 65th Path Lake Butler FL 32054 US Viewing Wednesday, March 1, 2017 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Methodist Church of Starke 200 N. Walnut Street STARKE FL 32091 US Funeral Service Wednesday, March 1, 2017 11:00 AM - Methodist Church of Starke 200 N. Walnut Street STARKE FL 32091 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Starke 620 E. Nona Street Starke FL - 32091 US (904) 964-6200