Billy Dean Plank

Billy Dean Plank died suddenly August 27, 2008 at his summer home in Pinetop, Arizona with his wife at his side. He was 79. Billy Dean was born on July 14, 1929 in Fleming, Colorado to the late John Sibley and Goldia (Clawson) Plank. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and spent 4 years in the service. He married his bride, Mary Jane Nelson on June 14, 1953 in Dailey, Colorado at the Evangelical United Brethren Church. They most recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. As a young man, Mr. Plank started the Special Education Program in Scottsbluff, Nebraska where he worked some time as a teacher. From there, he went to work as a family counselor for the Pan Handle Mental Health Center in Scottsbluff and retired from there after faithfully serving their needs for more than 24 years. Mr. Plank was the recipient of the Good Samaritan Award from the town of Sidney, Nebraska in 1979; an accomplishment his family has always been proud of. Billy Dean enjoyed being in the great out doors and especially enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing. He always had a competitive spirit about him and thoroughly enjoyed playing all sorts of games, including: pitching horseshoes, Cribbage and playing pool. In fact, just the night before his passing, he and his wife spent the evening playing Bingo with some of their friends...and he won! He truly will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Billy Dean Plank is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Plank of Tempe and Pinetop, Arizona; 4 children: James Scott Plank of Mountain View, California, Brian Dean Plank (Elena) of North Platte, Nebraska, Jennifer Jane Stern (Bill) of Phoenix, Arizona, Julianne Gray (Stanley T.) of Corte Madera, California; 1 sister, Betty Kohnen of Aurora, California; 1 brother, Russell Plank (Inez) of Loveland, Colorado; 5 grandchildren: McKenzie Plank, McKayla Plank, Katey Stern, Jordan Gray and Erin Gray. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Keith Nelson of Fleming, Colorado and his sister-in-law, Genevieve Murray of Hemet, California. A Memorial Service for Billy Dean will be held 10:00 A.M., Saturday, September 6, 2008 at the Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road in Tempe, Arizona.