David Plank

David Plank, son of John Dewey and Gladys (Luster) Plank, was born and raised in Salem, Missouri along with his siblings. He was the eldest, followed by his sister, Shirley "Plank" Nash, and his brother, Paul Plank. David was one of the kindest and most humble people you could ever hope to meet. His gentle nature, quiet strength, and generous heart left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. David's love of art began in childhood, around age 6, when he became fascinated by a bird in the front yard. From that simple moment, an artist was born. He explored every medium he could find—pencil, crayons, watercolor, and ink—continually practicing and refining his skills. His earliest drawings were far from perfect, but his determination never wavered. Through persistence, patience, and an unwavering passion for nature, his work evolved into the magnificent paintings for which he became so well known. In May 1955, David entered the United States Army, where he served as a photographer. During his service, he traveled throughout Western Europe with the U.S. Army Field Band on a Goodwill Tour, visiting every country in Western Europe. Although he treasured the experience, there was one duty he never enjoyed—leaning out of helicopters to capture photographs. The experience left such an impression that he never flew on an airplane again after his military service. It did not take long for his fellow soldiers to recognize his artistic talent, and many commissioned paintings and drawings from him during his time in the Army. After returning home, David worked at the Salem News as an offset lithographer and pressman while continuing to paint birds during his spare time. In 1973, he made the courageous decision to pursue his lifelong passion and became a full-time professional artist. A gifted wildlife artist, David, had a special passion for painting birds in watercolor. His goal was never simply to create a beautiful picture, but to capture the spirit of each bird and convey the emotion he experienced. Through every painting, he offered viewers his own heartfelt interpretation of the natural world, bringing its beauty, grace, and wonder to life with remarkable talent and patience. Throughout his distinguished career, David received countless honors and recognitions. Among them were numerous cover paintings for Bird Watcher's Digest; winning the first Missouri Waterfowl Stamp Competition; selection for Watercolor USA; artwork and articles featured in Missouri Life and Missouri Conservationist; and providing the illustrations for Arkansas Birds: Their Distribution and Abundance and The Birds of Missouri: Their Distribution and Abundance. David was preceded in death by his parents, John Dewey and Gladys (Luster) Plank, and by his sister, Shirley "Plank" Nash. He is survived by his brother, Paul Plank, as well as three nephews and one niece: Ken, Ron, Tim Nash and Debby “Nash” Eastman. With several extended nieces and nephews. David's artwork continues to live on through public collections, including the Springfield Art Museum and the Columbia Art Museum, where many of his paintings remain part of their permanent collections and will continue to be exhibited for generations to come. Through his extraordinary artwork, David leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire not only those whose lives he touched personally, but also countless others who will discover his work in the years ahead. His paintings serve as a lasting reminder of his deep appreciation for nature and his remarkable ability to share its beauty with the world. David will be deeply missed and forever remembered. May his memory be a source of comfort and peace to all who knew and loved him and may the beauty he created continue to inspire generations to come. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2026, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Salem First Baptist Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Wilson Mortuary of Salem.

David Plank

October 13, 1934 - August 12, 2026