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Millard Plumlee Jr. Obituary
Millard P. Plumlee Jr., 91, of West Lafayette, IN, died at 9:40 AM Friday, July 5, 2013 at St. Elizabeth Central Hospital of Lafayette, IN. He was born July 14, 1921, in Celina, Tennessee to the late Ollie Hamilton and Millard P. Plumlee Sr. and was raised on a tobacco farm.
He received a B.S. from Tennessee Technological University in 1944 in agriculture, where he was also a varsity athlete. He received his M.S. in 1948 and Ph.D. in animal nutrition in 1953, both from Purdue University. He served in the United States Navy from June 1942 to June 1953. He served as Lieutenant in the Amphibious Forces in the Southwest Pacific Theatre on LST 562 and LST 181 from 1943-1946.
He worked in the animal science department at Purdue University from 1953 until retiring in 1987 as professor of animal nutrition. He pioneered the use of radioisotopes in mineral metabolism studies with cattle and swine in Oak Ridge, TN., and published thirty five refereed research papers and abstracts. He owned and operated crop and livestock farms in Tippecanoe County from 1955 to 2010. He married Evelyn Lucille Moody of Knoxville, TN, his wife of 63 years, on December 24, 1949 and she survives.
Surviving are his five children, Joan Ashe (husband Victor), of Knoxville, TN., Mary Kersten (husband Doug), of Angola, IN., Martha Nealon (husband Tom), of Carmel, N.Y., Claude Plumlee, of Carmel, IN, M.P. "Perky" Plumlee III (wife Leslie), of Winona Lake, IN., and his grandchildren, J. Victor and Martha Ashe, Dr.'s Andrew and Casey Kersten, Sara Kersten, Tommy Nealon, Beau Plumlee, Lily Plumlee, and Miles Plumlee, Mason Plumlee, Marshall Plumlee, Madeline Plumlee and a great-grandson Bennett Kersten. He was preceded in death by brothers George and Claude Plumlee, and a son James Plumlee.
He had a special caregiver, Jackie Aper. Millard loved to garden and shared the bounty he grew to many friends and neighbors. He was much loved as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His strength and devotion and perception on life will remain with us always.
Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Monday, July 8, 2013 at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West, West Lafayette, IN 47906.
Funeral Service, 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel.
Pastor Ted Brust and Dr. Richard Dobbins, officiating.
A private entombment will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial contributions be made to The Baltzell Endowed Scholarship Fund honoring Millard P. Plumlee, Jr. attention Lori Pence Barber, Office of Academic Programs, Agricultural Administration Building, Room 121, 615 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
You may sign the guestbook and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Millard Plumlee Jr.
Denny Smith Alford
July 10, 2013
The memories on Mr. Plumlee are good ones. My thoughts and prayers are for all of you and him.
David Wood
July 10, 2013
I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Plumlee was a great family man. I will miss seeing him at MCL. He loved his family and he loved his basketball. His pride in the accomplishments of his grandsons was obvious to all! The entire family has always been kind to me. It was a life well lived. My sincere sympathy to all the family.
July 9, 2013
I wanted to send a note on behalf of my mother, Margaret Plumlee-Cagle. She remembers Percy with great fondness and mourns his loss. She has often talked about his accomplishments, especially the early years in Celina and then later at TTU. She also said he was a tough competitor and she greatly respected him. What a brilliant generation of Plumlees they are a part of!
Thinking of you, The Cagles
July 9, 2013
Dear Friends,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Percy was a joy to us all, a gentleman and a scholar.
We are thinking of you.
Jan Long Davis and Family
Mike Wolinsky
July 9, 2013
Perkee and family,
My parents called the other day to tell me that your father passed away.
We have been blessed with special role models in our lives.
May his memory be a blessing!
Hannah Dowell Plumlee
July 9, 2013
We are very sorry to hear of Percy's death. I have fond memories of his visits in Celina. We have been linked again by watching the grandsons at Duke. Carl always had a great time when he was with Percy. We send our sympathy.
Rex White
July 9, 2013
Perky and family,
You have our condolences on the passing or your Father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Rex and Jane White
July 8, 2013
Mrs. Plumlee and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Mr. Plumlee's passing. We were your neighbor's across the field in Winding Creek for the past 11 years. We moved to Zionsville just last Friday :( We will miss see Mr. Plumlee tending to his yard and garden. You were both so kind to our children - always offering them candy, ice cream, popsicles and the use of your basketball hoop (I wonder where that comes from?). We were so blessed to have you as our friends and neighbors. You have our deepest sympathies.
Mike, Karen, Joshua, Adam and Olivia Longmire
July 8, 2013
Mrs. Plumlee and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Mr. Plumlee's passing. We were your neighbors the past 11 years, looking after you through the farm field in Winding Creek. We moved to Zionsville just last Friday and missed you at our going away cookout. We assumed one of you wasn't feeling well. Our kids were so blessed with your kindness - always offering them candy, ice cream, the use of your basketball hoop, etc. We will miss seeing Mr. Plumlee in the field or tending to his yard. Thank you for being such wonderful, thoughtful neighbors. You have our deepest sympathies.
Mike, Karen, Josh, Adam, and Olivia Longmire
Anella McFee
July 8, 2013
Dear Evelyn, Purky, and family,
Bill and I, Sabra and Brian, are visiting in Tennessee as we hear of Millard's death. We shared our memories of Millard, Evelyn, and Purky. Remember running into each other at Grand Canyon some years ago? Our hearts go out to you. We pray God's comfort for you and for the wider family. Blessings, Anella
Mike Coffman
July 8, 2013
Prayers of comfort and strength for the Plumlee family.
July 8, 2013
My condolences to the entire Plumlee family. Mr. Plumlee was always interested in his family and was a strong supporter of academics and sports at Battle Ground and Harrison. We had many occasions to talk at ball games and it was always a pleasure hearing his thoughts on school and local politics. My dad really enjoyed the trip down to Tennessee with Mr. Plumlee to visit his hometown many years ago. We can learn so much about raising a family from this GREATEST GENERATION! Cherish your memories and make sure you pass them down to each new generation.
Bruce Walter
West Lafayette, IN
Steve Eberly
July 8, 2013
I am a former student, PROUDLY stated. I am sad to hear of Millard's passing. Many researchers today could take lessons from back in the 70's. I was sent to go collect pig parts from Crawfordsville weekly during winter in a van with no heat. Millard didn't have time to hear if I was hot or cold but he darned sure kept me in the loop as to why I was going and how the project was progressing. God love you Millard. Purdue Alum/Purdue Retiree/Warren County Indiana Govt.
July 8, 2013
Sorry for your loss. Sorry that I can't make it for the funeral. Thinking of you, Evelyn, and your wonderful family and wish you time to share family memories at this time of loss.
Marge Henry, Pavilion at Westminster Village.
July 8, 2013
Percy spoke at my high school graduation (1968) from Celina High School. His son, Perky, played basketball at Tennessee Tech and as a sportswriter, I followed his career, and now the careers of Percy's grandsons. I have always considered him one of Celina's most famous natives and am saddened by the news of his death. - Donald E. Napier
David Shoaf
July 8, 2013
My heart felt condolences go out to the Plumlee Family. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend time with the family in my school-age years.I always looked up to Mr. Plumlee as he was a great father and welcomed his children's friends with open arms. Plus he was a lot taller than I.He will be greatly missed.
Bill Gettings
July 8, 2013
Claude & Perky,
I was sorry to read about the death of your father. I know he and my dad were friends and although I didn't have the pleasure of meeting him, I know he was a good guy (it rubbed off on you both). I hope you, your mom and the rest of your family are well and I'll hold a good thought for all.
Dave Young
July 8, 2013
Perky, s sorry for your loss. I will always remember the support that your dad gave you and your respect for him. I am sure he was an example to you as a father.
Norman Long
July 7, 2013
July 7, 2013
Dear Evelyn and families…
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather.
May you find comfort and hope from our thoughts and reassurances that others care and remember you in your loss and grief.
Although words from friends can't take away the sadness you have in your heart or ease the loneliness that comes when loved ones have parted. My trust is that you will find that inner strength to carry on…as a tribute, to Millard's wonderful memories with you and with me!
Og Mandino, the famous author wrote, “So each of us in our own way, endures our loss, but cherishes the memories. Just as it should be.”
However, when one's heart is frozen in shock from the loss of a loved one; its family and friends who share their expressions of compassion and friendship which help to sustain us and softens the painful grieving process.
I deeply regret seeing you all lose such a precious loved one. I mourn the loss for you and celebrate Millard's life in his memory…he was truly a wonderful man and respected friend. He was one of my most memorable and favorite Animal Science teachers! I still recall his class presentations, now some 50 years hence!!!
Nonetheless, my thoughts and our prayers are with you. I hope my message will bring you some measure of comfort. May peace replace your heartache and bountiful warm memories remain.
In closing, “The nicest place to be is in someone's thoughts. The safest place to be is in someone's prayers. And the best place to be is in God's hands.”
With kindest regards…God Bless...
Dr. Norman D. Long
Class of 1964
M.M.
July 7, 2013
As you remember a life well-lived, I remember meeting Dr. Plumlee during the late 60's as a student in Purdue Agriculture Short Course. My sympathy to his family and friends. May he rest in peace and each of you find comfort in the great memories during difficult days ahead.
Frank and Lynn Altepeter
July 7, 2013
Evelyn,
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you rejoice in the wonderful long life that Millard had. We are in MI and will be unable to attend the showing and services but please know you are in our prayers.
Hugh B Cherry
July 7, 2013
so sorry to hear i have heard several stories from uncle Benny Reed Plumlee he was a great man
Hugh B Cherry
July 7, 2013
so sorry to hear i have heard several stories from uncle Benny Reed Plumlee
Bonnie Stephens
July 7, 2013
On behalf of my parents, Charles and Wanda McLerran, I would like to express our family's deepest condolences at the loss of such a wonderful man. They deeply enjoyed the times you spent together.
Julie Schleck
July 7, 2013
Dr Plumlee was a good friend to my father , Edwin Page, during his years at Purdue ( my Dad was a horse veterinarian ) and a loyal and generous visitor when my Dad was living at George Davis Manor ( Cumberland Pointe ). He shared many of his garden goodies, including paw paws! Their southern roots ensured many good stories. May God bless your extended family as you gather to celebrate the life of Dr Plumlee
Carl Treece
July 7, 2013
God needed a good man so he sent for Millard. He left a good legacy for all to follow. May God bless and keep him.
July 7, 2013
Praying for your family today. May God's Grace be with you.
Love in Christ, Barry and Sharon Dishon.
Bob & Cindy Smith
July 7, 2013
So sorry for your loss; he will be sorely missed by many.
Doug Jacks
July 6, 2013
With confidence in our shared hope of God's provision, I write to honor Dr. Plumlee and also to ask His comfort for Evelyn, the family, friends, and colleagues who knew him. I have often related to my wife the very specific lessons I learned from Dr. Plumlee. Many of these lessons went far beyond the subject matter of Animal Science 221, the late '70's nutrition class I gratefully attended. I clearly remember him openly reviewing his historical grading record...in my presence...when I stopped by his office for a chat in the early 80's. He boldly informed me that he wanted to remind himself of what type of student I was. I received a "B" for the class. However, the life-long skills and challenges I received from his instruction far outweigh the mastery of the subject matter I gleaned from the course. In later years, I remember Dr. Plumlee and his wife attending Covenant Presbyterian Church, in West Lafayette. I also fondly recall our informal discussions at area Gospel concerts in Tippecanoe County. May God meet all of us at the point of our need, as we contemplate our loss and remember a life lived in service for others.
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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – Lafayette Chapel400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909-7113
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