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DAVID PLATT Obituary

DAVID D. PLATT, 78, died on Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, at Lutheran Hospital after a month-long illness. Born June 6, 1934, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of the late Hershel and Pascaline Platt. A graduate of Indiana University (B.S.), University of Michigan (M.S.) and Ball State University (Ed. D), he taught in Defiance and Lakewood, Ohio, before joining F.W.C.S. in 1964. He served as music teacher at North Side High School, music consultant for F.W.C.S., Assistant Principal at Snider, and Principal of the Education Center. He was named Director of Program Development and Evaluation for F.W.C.S. in 1979, a position he held until retiring in 1993. An innovator throughout his 33-year career in public education, he was a charter member of the Youth Symphony and recipient of the 'Margaret Ann Keegan Award' for contributions to arts education. He served as director and conductor for Fort Wayne's All City Orchestra and was president of the Indiana School Music Association. He had a strong love of and commitment to family. His most enjoyable days were spent at Winona Lake with family and his many close friends. Active in the Fort Wayne community, he was President of the Downtown Rotary Club and President of the Harold W. McMillen Center for Health Education. He was a volunteer for the F.W.C.S. Study Connection and served on the board for Big Brothers Big Sisters. He was a member of Fort Wayne Quest Club. He was a Lieutenant in U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1959, serving as a pilot in England. Following military service, he spent summers touring with the Artie Shaw Orchestra, playing saxophone and clarinet. A 33rd degree Mason, he served as Executive Secretary of the Valley of Fort Wayne and worked to develop the Scottish Rite Learning Center. Surviving are his wife, Dana Wichern; two sons, Michael (Julie) Platt and Jay (Bobbie) Platt; a daughter, Robin (Doug) Stellhorn; stepdaughters, Angela (Dominick) King McCann and Wendy (Shawn) Wichern Eckelbarger; grandsons, David, Ben, Brandon, Blake, Brooks, and Blair; and stepgrandson, Maxwell Eckelbarger; granddaughter, Brittany (John) Siscel; great-grandson, Jude Siscel; and brothers, James (Maryann) Platt and Robert (Sandy) Platt. Memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, at Plymouth Congregational Church. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Winchester Road Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne, with a Masonic service at 7:30 p.m. Preferred memorials to Plymouth Congregational Church; Fort Wayne Youth Symphony; or ACRES Land Trust, Inc. For online Condolences, please visit www. klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Sep. 6, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID PLATT

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Tricai Blum

September 30, 2013

David Platt was my VERY FAVORITE patient I have ever had! I always looked forward to seeing David and Im proud to say he was my friend. Such a caring man!! He is missed.

Glenn Ray

December 3, 2012

My deepest sympathies for the Platt family. David and I were classmates at UMichigan and were both recipients of the Experienced Teacher Fellowship there. After completed our M M degree, David invited me to Fort Wayne to perform at his High School and I stayed at his home. David was a good and gentle soul whose work in music and the arts will be sorely missed.

Mike Morris

September 18, 2012

Dana and family, Dave meant a lot to me. He mentored me into administration but more importantly to the role I have today as instructional coach. He allowed me to meet with some of the greatest minds of the time (and still today) and learn directly from them. I owe him a great deal of any success that I have had.

Tonya McNeely-Walters

September 10, 2012

I only heard this evening and want to share my sincerest condolences with all of you "Platt's". It left me sad and his picture is just as I remember him. I remember calling him Mr./ Dr. Mr./Dr. long before I knew the difference between someone with their PHD and their MD ...he took my innocence and stupidity in stride. I admired his love for classical music and appreciated how he put such an emphasis on education. To me, he was an awesome Dad, husband to Patsy and role model in the community. Though, it has been years since I have seen him, I find myself upset at hearing of your loss. I love your family and Robin, I miss you. Get a facebook account so we can all stay in better touch! My prayers and thoughts are with you. He lives on in his Children...Robin, looking at the photo, I am reminded of the strong resemblance. Much love. Tonya McNeely Walters xoxo

September 10, 2012

Dana,

Gene and I offer our sincere sympathy for the loss of Dave.

Gene and Pauline Porter

BILL & PAT ANTHIS

September 9, 2012

Dear Dana, Pat and I are saddened to learn of Dave's passing. We are also humbled that we are no longer able to travel very far to pay our respects in person. It reminds us of our own mortality. On the brighter side, we have fond memories of those days when we worked together and experienced the joys of camaraderie and fellowship. You and Dave have always had the kind of talent and personality that makes for success and attracts a host of friends. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers, and are hopeful that we can continue our contact via the Internet. Sincerely, Bill and Pat Anthis

Diana Stauffer

September 9, 2012

Dear Dana and Family,

We were sad to learn of Dave's death. You have been such a good friend to my parents and to us and have always felt like part of the extended family. The lake will just not be the same without Dave to banter with. I am happy to have just gotten the chance to see Dave in July were we joked about my unfortunate fireworks accident from the previous summer. My last conversation with Dave meant a lot to me. He mentioned watching me and the kids play in the lake and complimented me on what a good parent I had become. I didn't realize at the time it would be my last conversation with Dave and it will be a good memory! We are thinking of you, Diana, Kevin, Annelies and Ava

Pat Starr

September 8, 2012

I was in All City Orchestra back in the early '70's and I remember Mr. Platt very well. I always enjoyed his professionalism and sense of humor. He made orchestra fun. He certainly made a lasting impression on many young musicians.

September 8, 2012

Dr. Platt was an incredible inspiration for me while I was attending Snider High School in 1976/77. He worked closely with me to ensure my graduating with honors while going through some challenging times in a dysfunctional family. He stated he would help me only if I promised to go to college and I did - 3 colleges, 2 degrees, and my first published book, "Beyond My Rainbow", with more books in the wings. I have tried to contact him over the years, most recently this July, when I returned to Fort Wayne to attend my 35th Class Reunion from Snider and enjoy a Book Signing of my book. No one knew his whereabouts and once again, I did call the two D. Platt's listed in the phone book and left messages on their machines, wanting to thank him for his wonderful mentoring and dedication to so many like me. My hope is that he saw the article about the Book Signing and that it was thanks enough for him.
Brenda B. Berggoetz, Tucson, Arizona

Jim Walters

September 8, 2012

Hello Mike - Brian Brunson sent me this link about your father. I am so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family. Take care - Jim Walters, Ball State University.

September 7, 2012

David and my wife Judy went to North Side during the 1950 era,
studied clarinet with Carl Bartlett, and I played in his
dance band for many of the after game dances. We became
lifetime friends through this association.
Dave was a respected colleague and musician and very influential teacher/administrator in the Fort Wayne area.
It was with great sadness that I learned of his recent illness and
death.
May his family find joy and peace from his wonderful life.
Sincerely,

Paul and Judy Grischke

Carol Vodde

September 7, 2012

Dana, Wendy and family,
I am so sad to read of David's death. I hope he died peacefully.
Dr. Platt was my boss during the 80's and I LOVED working for him. He was so kind to me.
As I interact with today's FWCS teachers and administrators I am finding many of Dr. Platt's ideas circling back into the current PD. I am not surprised. Of all the administrators in FWCS that I have encountered in my long career Dr. Platt was by far the most intelligent. I still have PD folders filled with "plattisms".
I am a better person for having known David. My hope is that fond memories will carry you through this difficult time.

Tom & Norma McComb

September 6, 2012

To the Dave Platt Family

I have known the Platt family since boyhood days growing up in the Lakeside neighborhood---Mr. & Mrs. Platt, Jim, Dave and Bob. My wife and I both went to North Side where Dave was two years ahead and when he graduated I purchased his dance band. At Indiana University Dave asked me to pledge his fraternity, Kappa Delta Rho, which I did and we became fraternity brothers. After college we would run into each other on occasion in Ft. Wayne but in 1972 we moved to Indianapolis and our get-togethers were mostly at fraternity reunions. I have many found memories of Dave which I shall always cherish---he had a great wit and wonderful sense of humor. We shall miss him and offer our sincere condolences on his passing.

Lavon Hart

September 6, 2012

Remembering David is only a pleasant time. His subtle humor always "split me up". I admired his intelligence and ability to get the best out of anyone. Dana, with sadness I bid adieu to a good friend.

September 6, 2012

Dana, I'm so sorry to hear about David. He will be greatly missed by all his friends in Abaco each winter. God speed and his blessing for you and yours.

Doug Gregg
Mission, Kansas

Vicki (Harges) Roberts

September 6, 2012

My love goes out to the family, it is so not easy to lose a special part of the family. God be with you, always.

September 6, 2012

Dana, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. David was always so kind. I will miss his smiling face coming to see me at the pharmacy. He was a great person. Please let me know if I can do anything for you. Sincerely, Jen (Kroger Pharmacist)

Tricia Blum RN and friend

September 6, 2012

Mrs. Platt, David will be so missed! He was very special to me and to all of us at Parkview ER!! My prayers are with you and your family. Please call if I can do anything for you!

September 6, 2012

Dana and family - we were so saddened to hear of Dave's illness from KSP and then of her sending the obituary this am. Please know you are in our prayers and thoughts. Till we meet again at the "Riveria" ---- Sue and Ted Mullett

Margaret Angel

September 6, 2012

What a bright, kind, and wry gentleman. I so appreciated his mentoring students through his Horizons Plus program and all his years tutoring Study Connection students at Shawnee. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sincerely, Peg Angel

Don & Carolyn Nicole

September 6, 2012

Dear Dana & family:

We are so sorry and surprised reading about Dave's passing. I always enjoyed seeing you guys at Cosmos. Dave was a joy to work with during our days at FWCS and always had the correct answers for me. Carolyn and I extend our Sincere Sympathy, we will be seeing you soon.

God's Blessings.

September 6, 2012

I am so sad to read of David's death. I hope he died peacefully.
Dr. Platt was my boss during the 80's and I LOVED working for him. He was so kind to me.
As I interact with today's FWCS teachers and administrators I am finding many of Dr. Platt's ideas circling back into the current PD. I am not surprised. Of all the administrators in FWCS that I have encountered in my long career Dr. Platt was by far the most intelligent. I still have PD folders filled with "plattisms".
I am a better person for having known David. My hope is that fond memories will carry you through this difficult time.

Norma Hoffman

September 6, 2012

Dana and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember when we were in Boston for our husbands' 33 degree. What a great time. I pray that your memories of Dave will help get you through this. Norma Hoffman

Michele Mero

September 6, 2012

Our prayers are with the whole family. Dave will be remembered by our family, my parents went to North Side High School and played in the band with Dave and he was my private clarinet teacher for many years. Rest in peace Dave you will always be remembered.

The Mero Family

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