Donald Alan 'Alien' Lank (1962-2017)
Donald Alan ‘Alien’ Lank, age 54 of Coffeyville, Kan. met his Lord and Savior at 8:50 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017 in an automobile accident.
Born May 7, 1962 in Ellsworth, Kan. to Donald Joseph and Helen Gayle (Roberts) Lank, he was raised in Coffeyville, where he attended Field Kindley High School, graduating in 1981. Following high school, Alan enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in Chicago, Ill. and Miramar, Calif. After four years, he re-enlisted for another year where he completed a world tour, visiting such locales as Hawaii, France, Kuwait and the Philippines. He was a member of the VF-211 squadron on the supercarrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) where he served as a cook. The Kitty Hawk was both the first and last active ship of her class, and the last oil-fired aircraft carrier in service with the United States Navy. Following his service in the Navy, Alan returned to Coffeyville and was employed by Bartlett Mill. After his first nephew was born, he began his favorite profession by far — serving as a compassionate caregiver. He held that position for more than 24 years, caring for his nephews living in Coffeyville. Alan’s other passions included cooking, baking and listening to his favorite classic rock music.
Alan was preceded in death by his father, Donald Joseph Lank of Coffeyville; his niece, Presley Nicole Ruch of Joplin, Mo; and maternal and paternal grandparents.
Survivors include his mother, Helen Gayle (Roberts) Lank of Coffeyville; sisters, Deana Michelle Reiner of Coffeyville, Camela Dawn Ruch of Joplin; nephews, Matthew Gene Reiner and Jacob Maurice Reiner; niece Emilie Louise Reiner, all of Coffeyville; and nieces, Jamie Camden Blaes and Sheridan Dawn Ruch, all of Joplin.
He was a loving nephew to his aunts and uncles, Sam and Janet Peppiatt, Houston, Jim and Marilyn Homolka, Ellsworth, Art and Linda Heitschmidt, Wichita and Terry and Darlene Lank, Claflin, and cousins.
Funeral services celebrating his life were held Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017 at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel with Chaplain Keith Springer officiating.
To leave an online condolence visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com
Memorials to honor Alan can be made in his name to either the Coffeyville American Legion or the VFW. American Legion Post 20, 811 W 12th St, Coffeyville, Kan. 67337, or Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1022, 1714 W 8th St, Coffeyville, Kan. 67337.