Walter H. "Buddy" Plank
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 7 B Obituary - May 21, 2014
Walter H. “Buddy” Plank, age
91, passed into the arms of angels
on May 15, 2014. Services will be
Friday, May 23, 2014, at 1:00 p.m.,
at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary, with
interment to follow at Orchard
Mesa Cemetery. His life was rich -
filled with adventure and love.
Buddy was born July 18, 1922, in
Tulsa, OK, son of Walter H. Plank and Margurite Judd-Plank. His family
moved to Weslaco, TX where Buddy grew up learning the rewards
of friendship, hard work and honesty. He left home at 16 to join the
Civilian Conservation Corps, building trails somewhere in New Mexico
during the Great Depression. Buddy sent his pay home to his folks
in Texas, so there might be more for them and his three younger siblings.
When World War II began, Buddy joined the Merchant Marines,
sailing aboard seven different vessels carrying cargo, ammunition and
fuel. He served proudly from 1943 to the end of the conflict.
Buddy worked in the oil fields of Texas after the War, then moved to
Colorado in the early 1950’s to go into business with his good friend
Charlie Dyer. The men started Tri-State Tool Company. Later, Buddy
had his own hunting guide service, and built the Big J Campground
(now KOA) on Orchard Mesa. He was a whiz at fixing camper appliances
and continued tinkering with them until a stroke stole his eyesight
more than ten years ago.
Buddy was an avid sportsman who lived to hunt and fish. He hunted
elk and antelope until he went blind, but still, hunting season brought a
sparkle to his eye because it meant he’d be visited soon by hunting pals
who had relied on his expertise and knowledge for many years. One of
his most thrilling fishing experiences came last July on Buddy’s 91st
birthday … when he reeled in a 240 lb. marlin during his annual deepsea
fishing trip with friends in Mexico!
Buddy lived with his heart wide open. He had four lovely wives
through the years and was ready to marry again when his sweetheart,
Claudine Dyer, died of cancer. His friends and neighbors picked up the
banner to keep him safe and loved, so he would always be able to live
in his own house.
Buddy was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Helen McDonald,
and brother, Bobby Plank. Survivors include his brother, Charles (Eva)
Plank of Weslaco, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews. His stepsons,
Glenn Billings (Barbara) of Wheat Ridge, CO, and Jim Billings
(Ranae) of Hawthorn, NV gave Buddy dozens of grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. Rick and Mona Dyer of Grand Junction, and
grandchildren, Brandon and Kyndall Dyer also survive. Buddy leaves
a host of people who loved and watched over him. He always said “It’s
great to have so many good friends”. We hope he realizes now that he
was the blessing.
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 5 B Death Notice - May 20, 2014
Walter H. “Buddy” Plank, 91, Grand Junction, died May 15, 2014.Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary, with interment to follow at Orchard Mesa Cemetery.Mr. Plank was a World War II veteran. Survivors include two stepsons, Glen Billings of Wheat Ridge and Jim Billings of Hawthorn, Nevada; and one brother, Charles of Weslaco, Texas.
