Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Karl Plumlee Obituary
September 30, 1949 - February 13, 2016
Dr. Karl Warren Plumlee - loving husband, son, father, stepfather and grandfather - died in Denver, CO, on Feb. 13, 2016. He was an esteemed chemist, executive, and professor.
The oldest of three sons, he was born in Richland, WA, to Norma Plumlee and the late Karl Plumlee. He was a graduate with honors from North Central College with a B.A. in chemistry and mathematics, Karl then received his M.S. and Ph.D. with honors in Physical Chemistry from Northwestern University.
Dr. Plumlee's professional life began in 1975 with Exxon in Texas and New Jersey where he worked until 1987. From 1987 - 2005, he was V.P. of Engineering for W.R. Grace in Columbia, MD, and Hesperia, CA. During his career, he conducted research into converting coal into liquid fuels, presented various technical papers, and wrote articles published by the American Chemi-cal Society. Karl was responsible for construction of manufacturing facilities around the world. He also led a lab that conducted medical product development in purification of pharmaceuticals with an emphasis on chromatography. His work led to a total of twenty-two patents.
After retiring from corporate work, Professor Plumlee pursued his passion and taught from 2005 - 2014 part time as a mathematics instructor at Victor Valley College and full time as a chemistry teacher at Cal State San Bernardino.
On a personal level, Karl appeared on American Bandstand and carried the Olympic Torch for several miles in Texas in 1984. A talented musician, he played five instruments. He served as a youth leader at Bethany United Methodist Church in Ellicott City, MD and was proud of
resurrecting his family's 1948 Willy's Jeep.
His favorite pastimes were solving puzzles, reading, traveling, planning family events, and - most of all - being Pop Pop to his eleven grandchildren.
In 1971, he married Susan Norris, who predeceased him. Together, they had three children: Steven Plumlee, Karolyn Plumlee Greason and Kevin Plumlee.
Karl is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Betty) Palmer Plumlee, a former resident of Frederick, MD., whom he married in 1994. He is survived also by his stepchildren; Erik Christopher,
Jennifer Short, Grant and Brooke Christopher, their spouses and his beloved grandchildren.
Services and celebrations will be announced at a later date. For updates about Karl, please visit www.karlplumlee.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karl Plumlee
mark ogren
November 25, 2016
To the Family of Warren, my sincere and deep condolences during this difficult time and way to early - my Prayers are with you. Warren was a good friend in high school in the classroom and athletics.
It is no mystery that he was able to touch so many lives and accomplish such great things.
Mark Ogren
Scott corwin
November 23, 2016
Warren certainly achieved a great deal in this lifetime; I am sorry to hear that he has passed on, please accept my sincere condolences. Even in high school he was one of those kids who everyone respected so much for his strong work ethic, friendliness to all, and what he could accomplish! I am sorry that this world has lost one of our best.
Tim Philippart
November 22, 2016
Warren, as I called him, was a genuinely fine person. I shared rides with him my freshman year at North Central. It doesn't surprise me he accomplished so much.
Warren's senior picture from Lockport High School, circa 1967.
John Dzak
November 22, 2016
On behalf of Warren's Lockport High School classmates, I send our love and prayers to Elizabeth, his brother John, and his entire family on his passing. There could never be a finer, classmate, musician, and person, then Warren. His friendship and smile will remain in our hearts forever! Go with God my friend.
Warren's Lockport High School class of 1967, classmates.
Judy Andrychuk
August 30, 2016
Betty and Family,
Karl was absolutely the best boss I ever had It was great to work for him (except for the pile of filing I never seemed to get to) at W.R. Grace. I enjoyed his wry sense of humor and his compassion. It was an honor and a pleasure to have known him.
Judy (Hoehn) Andrychuk
Rochester, NY
Larry Hotz
March 18, 2016
Dear Betty and Family,
I was my pleasure to know Karl even though it was a short time. He was an exceptional man. He was dedicated to getting everything in order during his last months. He was single-minded on getting you moved to Denver. I was privileged to help in that regard.
I may never know anyone who was more delightful to work with. He was more than an intelligent and kind gentleman. He was a gentle soul. God Rest You, Karl, and comfort Betty.
Ashley Vizenor
March 2, 2016
Dr. Plumlee,
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. Thank you for being such an inspiration to me throughout my undergrad career. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for believing in me, even when I couldn't. Thank you for introducing me to Betty. Thank you for taking me to that Angel's game. I will always cherish the fun times of sitting in your office with Dr. K and the laughs that were had at my expense. And the advice you provided me on both dating and professional life have stuck with me. Your warm voice and contagious smile will always be in my head and my heart.
To Betty and Family,
Dr. Plumlee touched the lives of so many. My deepest condolences go out to you all. His memory and impact will continue to live on and I know he watching over everyone.
Love Always and Forever,
Ashley Vizenor
Luz Chavez
March 2, 2016
Dr. Plumlee was a great teacher and person. He was always able to help me when I needed to understand a concept a little better. He was patient and kind. He will be missed.
March 2, 2016
My Sincere Condolences to the family for your loss! Dr. Plumlee was one of my absolute favorite chemistry instructors. He was always so patient and kind. He truely was an amazing instructor. He somehow made the most complicated of problems makes sense. He touched so many lives, and I will never forget him.
K. Steele
JJ
February 26, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
February 26, 2016
Karl, I miss you. Thank you for finding Mom. You two were wonderful together! I still smile when I think of you. Thank you for all of your support through the years. I'm still "fighting on"!. No more pain for you which is awesome. You put up a great fight. We're taking care of Mom right now, just so you know she is ok. She misses you so much as we all do. I love you forever. -Jenny
Louise Britto
February 26, 2016
Dear Betty and Family,
I am so very sorry to learn of the loss of your beloved family member. I pray that you will find peace and comfort in the memories shared with your loved one.
With Sympathy and Love,
Louise (Renn) Britto
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Karl Plumlee's name
Memorial Events
for Karl Plumlee
How to support Karl's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Karl Plumlee's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
