Rory Lane Rank, age 70, of Las Cruces, passed away on March 10, 2024.

Rory was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Robert and Lois Rank on November 7, 1953. He graduated from Adrian College and received his Juris Doctorate from Widener College. He worked as an attorney for over 30 years. He primarily worked as a Public Defender and supervised the Juvenile Division in Las Cruces. After retiring from the Public Defender, Rory was an adjunct professor at New Mexico State University and other local community colleges. Rory was a veteran and served in the Air Force and was awarded the USFA Commendation Medal, USFA Meritorious Service Medal, USAF Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster).

Rory helped to develop the Juvenile Drug Court in Dona Ana County and it was designated one of six mentor sites in the nation. He also served on a number of boards and volunteered in the community. He served on the Youth Violence Initiative, Youth-at-Risk Programs/ JARC board, NM Juvenile Justice Strategic Plan for Girls board, Task Force: Youth Violence Initiative, Youth Advocates Alliance Board, Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative and Gang Awareness Task Force, Disproportionate Minority Representation, Dona County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, Dona Ana County Juvenile Detention Center Design/ Building Project, JARC, Continuum Board, Veterans Treatment Court Team.

Rory also received the 2009 Driscoll Award from the Public Defenders Office. In 2005, he received the Carlos Vigil Award from the NMPD department as attorney of the year, and in 2004, he received the humanitarian award from the Las Cruces Hispano Chamber of Commerce, in 2016 was New Mexico State University Department of Criminal Justice Starry Night Nominee.

Rory is survived by his Children: daughter Haley Manaia Rank, son Niclaus Makusia Rank, and daughter-in-law Amanda Rank, Siblings: Brothers Kim Rank, Kyle Rank, and Sister Lora Ehle, Grandchildren: Makuisa Brandon Rank, and Leighanne Christa Munoz.

Donations may be made in Rory’s name at https://everloved.com/life-of…

Memorials and flowers may be sent to La Paz-Graham’s Funeral.

The memorial is scheduled for 9:00 am at La Paz Funeral Home at 555 W Amador Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88005. There will be a celebration of life to follow at Dream Center Las Cruces, located at 1400 Sixth St, Las Cruces, NM 88005.

Arrangements are with La Paz-Graham’s Funeral Home 555 W. Amador, Las Cruces, NM 88005. To sign the online guest book visit www.LaPaz-Grahms.com

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