Donald E. Plake, Jr. , age 86 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019 at his home following an extended illness.  He was born March 18, 1933 in Elwood, the son of Donald E. and Hester (King) Plake, Sr.  Don was a 1951 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force right away following graduation.  The military became an important career for Don, serving 20 years from 1952 to 1972 which included the Korean War and the Vietnam War.  He worked in construction engineering in the Air Force reaching the rank of Tech Sergeant; and he was a member of the First Red Horse Team and the Air Force Sergeants Club.  Following his military career, Don enjoyed working as a trusted bartender at the "Come Back Bar" in Elwood for 5 years.  On November 20, 1977, he married Eula Mae (Arnold) Albers and they shared a brief marriage together until her unexpected illness and eventual passing on October 2, 1980.  Later, Don worked as a custodian for Elwood Community School Corporation for 15 years until his final retirement.  He was a longtime member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Elwood and was a 25-year member of the Elwood Lions Club which he enjoyed very much.  Don was an avid collector of antiques and vintage items, and he especially enjoyed going to Auctions and Flea Markets at every opportunity.  He had a notable collection of vintage milk bottles and cookie jars, and he enjoyed watching sports on television.  Don also repaired and refinished furniture for many years at his home, and could be seen walking everywhere he went.  He especially enjoyed many years of fellowship at McKnight's Implement downtown with Phil McKnight and George Brewer.  Although Don was a very humble and quiet man, he truly enjoyed the time he spent with his family.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Don's family includes 4 children who he was blessed with from his marriage to Eula Mae, Frank (wife Valerie) Mize of Muncie, Deanna (husband John) Alvey of Richmond, Karen Blankenship of Westfield, and Kim (husband Brad) Stewart of Florida; nephew, Thomas (wife Heidi) Plake of Elwood; special family member and caretaker, Heather (husband Brad) Lashure and their children – Anastasia, Isabella, and Connor all of Elwood; 7 grandchildren, Clint (wife Janelle) Blankenship, Denise (husband Jim) Oakley, Jonathan (wife Liz) Mize, Aaron (wife Jackie) Mize, Gayle Kaushal, Brandon Stewart, and Andrea Stewart; and 13 great-grandchildren.  Don was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eula Mae Plake; brother, Richard Plake and his wife Patricia Plake; and a nephew, Richie Plake.

A funeral service celebrating Don's life will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Monday, December 2, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Bill Johnston of Grace United Methodist Church officiating.  Entombment will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery Mausoleum where military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Air Force and Elwood V.F.W. honor guard.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 pm on Monday prior to the funeral service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral home.   Memorial contributions are suggested to Grace United Methodist Church through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.