Kenneth Wilber Plank

Kenneth “Ken” Wilber Plank was born April 21, 1950, in Salem, Missouri to Harry Vernon and Sylvia Ella (Lancaster) Plank. Ken grew up in Salem and graduated with the class of 1968 from Salem High School. He met the love of his life, Linda Kay Parker, while cruising Salem in his Chevy Nova and on December 16, 1972 they were united in marriage. After high school, Ken started working in the mines until he decided to continue his education and become a licensed practical nurse. He put his license into practice with Dr. Carnett’s office at the Salem Memorial District Hospital where he didn’t have to work weekends and was able to attend church. Ken had a heart of gold and desire to help others. He was a caring and compassionate nurse who worked hard to provide for his family. Ken and Linda were dedicated foster parents who unselfishly loved and cared for many children throughout the years. They proudly adopted three children: John, Stacy, and Michelle and loved them as their own. Ken took great pride in raising his family in a home filled with deep love and strong values of goodness, kindness, and honesty. He cherished the time spent with them and treasured the memories made together. Ken liked doing crossword puzzles and enjoyed playing his guitar. He loved the Lord, valued reading his Bible, and looked forward to preaching the Word. He was a longtime member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Ken departed this life February 14, 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of seventy-one years. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, loving wife: Linda Plank of Salem, MO; children: John Plank of Salem, MO, Stacy Plank of Lake of the Ozarks, MO, and Michelle Plank of Salem, MO; siblings: Jean Kelley and husband Ralph of Salem, MO, Verna Bullock of Salem, MO, Don Plank and wife Ida of Centralia, MO, Ruth Ladd and husband Steve of Apopka, FL, Haden Plank and wife Mary Lou of Centralia, MO; Carl Plank of Salem, MO, Gary Plank and wife Carol of Ringgold, GA, and Richard Plank and wife Carol of Rolla, MO; special little boy: Keagen Arthur; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding him in death, his parents: Harry and Sylvia Plank; brothers: James Paul, Melvin Dewaine, Curtis Dale, and William Arthur; sisters: Thela Cooksey, Rosalie Yates, and Janice Elaine Bell. Ken will be remembered as a sweet man who always had a smile for everyone he met. His kindness and generosity will be forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. Funeral Services for Kenneth Plank were held Monday, February 21, 2022 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Marty Resz officiating. Song selections played were “What A Day That Will Be”, “Another Soldier Down”, and “Daddy’s Hands”. Serving as Pallbearers were Dwayne Arthur, Jim Land, James Crabtree, Cordell Conway, Curtis Plank, and Marty Resz. Honorary Pallbearer was John Plank. Military Honors was provided by the Missouri Honors Team and American Legion Post 99. Burial was in the North Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Ken Plank and left at Wilson Mortuary. Online condolences may be entered at wilsonmortuary.com

Kenneth Wilber Plank

April 21, 1950 - February 14, 2022