William "Bill" Arthur Plank Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

William “Bill” Arthur Plank was born on November 23, 1939, in Eminence, Missouri to Harry V. and Sylvia Ella (Lancaster) Plank and passed away on December 14, 2020 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, Missouri at the age of eighty-one years. Bill grew up in Salem and graduated with the Class of 1957 from Salem High School. He met the love of his life, Sue Ann Leighton, at Montgomery Ward in Kansas City and they were united in marriage on October 3, 1959 in Arkansas. Together they shared fifty-six years of memories before her passing on August 30, 2015. Bill and Sue were blessed with five children: William “Bill”, Dan, Curtis, Cindy, and Barbara. Bill worked hard to provide for his family and was a jack of all trades. Throughout the years he was a manual laborer, school bus driver, worked at Floyd Charcoal, hauled hay, and an over the road truck driver. His first truck driving job was with Atlas Van lines where he moved furniture. Bill truly enjoyed the open road and successfully visited all fifty states, with Maine being the last one. Bill loved reading his Bible and attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church. His most favorite times were those spent with family and friends. Making memories with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was most important to him and he cherished the memories they made together. Bill is survived by his loving children: Bill Plank and wife Kelly of Oklahoma, Dan Plank and wife Leny of Columbus, WI, Curtis Plank of Shawnee, KS, Cindy Smart and husband Aaron of Palm Bay, FL, and Barbara Contreras 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, Ken Plank and wife Linda of Salem, MO, and Richard Plank and wife Carol of Rolla, MO; as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Preceding him in death, his loving wife: Sue Ann Plank; parents: Harry and Sylvia Plank; brothers: James Paul, Melvin Dewaine, and Curtis Dale; sisters: Thela Cooksey, Rosalie Yates, and Janice Elaine Bell. Bill was a sweet man who will be remembered for the smile on his face and love he had for his family and friends. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Funeral Services for William “Bill” Arthur Plank were held Friday, December 18, 2020 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Abraham Velazquez officiating. Song selections played were “One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus” and “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven With You”. Serving as Pallbearers were Bill Plank, Danny Plank, Curtis Plank, Christopher Plank, Cory Contreras, David Smart, Adam Plank, and Timmy Bryan. 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 William "Bill" Plank and left at Wilson Mortuary. Online condolences may be entered at wilsonmortuary.com

William "Bill" Arthur Plank

November 23, 1939 - December 14, 2020