Walter Rae "Boogie" McSpadden

Walter Rae "Boogie" McSpadden, 92, of Rankin passed away December 27th, 2025, at the Rankin County Hospital. Funeral services will be held at the Rankin Cemetery Pavillion Wednesday, December 31st, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Officiating at the service will be his oldest grandson, Kevin McSpadden of San Angelo. Arrangements are by Nichols Funeral Home of Crane.

With no doctor practicing in Rankin, Boogie was born in Iraan, Texas on November 17th, 1933, to Robert Davis McSpadden Jr. and Monnie Ray (Powell) McSpadden. He attended Rankin public schools and graduated from Rankin High School in 1951. After graduation he attended Texas Tech in Lubbock, then transferred to West Texas State in Canyon, cutting his college career short when his father became ill.

Boogie married Barbara Peek of Crane on March 9th, 1954, in Lovington, New Mexico. They had two sons, Steve and Gary. He was drafted into the Army shortly after marrying, where he served in the 2nd Armored Division stationed in Baumholder, Germany. He was awarded a marksmanship medal for his sharpshooting skills.

Upon coming home, he worked for Pan American GeoPhysical then worked for Phillips Petroleum for 25 years before retiring. He served as a volunteer for the Rankin Fire Department; he also loved coaching Little League baseball for many seasons. His greatest joy was following his sons and grandsons all over creation as they competed for various Rankin Red Devil Teams. He continued to follow the Red Devils for the rest of his life and was especially thrilled to get to watch them in the state finals this year.

Boogie was preceded in death by his parents, R.D. and Monnie McSpadden, sister Barbara Janice Hansen, and sister Neva Zoe Nesbitt.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 71 years Barbara, son Steve and wife Penny of Rankin, son Gary of Rankin, Grandson Kevin and wife Karen of San Angelo, Grandson Tyler and wife Sterling of China Spring, and the three cutest greatgrandaughters in the world, Olivia, Elana, and Stevie Rae.

The family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of the Rankin County Hospital District for the excellent care he received while he was there. Love you guys