On Thursday, May 20, 2021, John C. Plank, loving husband of Joy (Hostetler) Plank, passed away in his sleep in the early hours of the morning at the age of 95.
John was born on November 8, 1925 in West Liberty, Ohio. On February 1, 1948 (73 years) he married Joy Hostetler and she survives. Together they raised three sons: Doug (Suzanne), Dennis (Connie), and Darry (Paula). Brother Lee and wife Donna live in rural West Liberty. John and Joy have 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, numerous great-great grandchildren. He has many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his father Joe L. Plank, mother Addie (Yoder) Plank, a grandson, Ken Plank, brother Harley (Clarabel Hostetler), and sister Ruth (Wilfred Lehman).
John was a member of the class of 1943 at West Liberty High School. He was a World War II Veteran serving in the United States Navy from 1944-1946, one year of which he served in Okinawa. A lifetime resident of West Liberty, the community was dear to him. He knew hundreds of area farmers through his many years work at the elevator. He served on the fire department for 22 years, the City Council for 11 years, president and coach of the WL Youth Baseball Association, founding member of the Mac-O-Chee Quarter Midgets of America, a pioneer in building the track at Lions Park, and was inducted into the Quarter Midget Racing Hall of Fame in 2009. He was a 73-year member of the West Liberty American Legion Post 509. He exhibited his restored gas engines at the West Liberty Labor Day Festival for nearly 50 years. He and Joy were regular participants in many community activities. John was a member of the West Liberty United Church of Christ.
The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 101 Zanesfield Road in West Liberty, where a funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in West Liberty, Ohio with military rites performed by the Logan County Veteran Honor Guard.
Memorial contribution may be made, in John’s memory, to the West Liberty Fire Department, 201 N. Detroit Street, West Liberty, Ohio 43357 or Macochee Joint Ambulance District, 113 E. Newell Street, West Liberty, Ohio 43357.
EICHHOLTZ DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME, WEST LIBERTY is honored to serve the Plank family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.