Belton Leon Plake

Belton Leon Plake, 79, died after a lengthy illness, on February 26, 2026, at his Conroe residence, surrounded by his loving wife, his two sons and daughter-in-law. He was born November 8, 1946, in Refugio, Texas, the son of beloved parents Hiram Nathan (Leon) and Martha Ann (Dyson) Plake.

Belton mostly grew up in Beaumont, Texas and graduated from South Park High School, class of 1965. Following graduation, he proudly served with the U.S. Air Force (9 years) during the Viet Nam War where he earned the rank of SSgt-Master Instructor, aircraft electronics. Belton served a tour in Thailand as an aircraft Electronic Technician.

Early in his Air Force career, Belton met Elaine Herriage on a blind date. They married August 1968 and eventually settled in Conroe, Texas. They celebrated 57 years of marriage in August 2025. Belton continued his higher education courses obtained while in the Air Force and earned a BA degree from Sam Houston University in 1986.

Affectionately known as "Poppy" by his family, he will be missed for his patience and reserved, non-judgmental demeanor. By nature, Belton was a protector, teacher and mentor who loved to be surrounded by his family. He could fix anything and particularly loved woodworking and auto repair.

Belton was an outdoorsman who loved fly fishing, hunting with his sons, guns, golfing, jeeping, photography, hiking and camping. After retirement he and his wife set out to camp in all the nation's national parks. They particularly loved Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and volunteered for 5 years at the YMCA of the Rockies near the park.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved brother, Roy Dale. Surviving in addition to his wife, Elaine, are his daughter Nichole Plake of Conroe; his son Nathan Plake and his wife, Elizabeth, of Spring, Texas; his son Daniel Plake and his wife, Stephanie, of Huntsville, Texas. Seven grandchildren: Whitney Serna, Jeanine Douglass, Baggio Lozano-Plake, Gianni Lozano-Plake, Vania Plake, Adalia Plake and Wyatt Plake. Six great grandchildren: Meadow, Oaklyn, Shiloh, Eliyanah, Elijah and Liam. Two sisters LaVoyce and her husband, Kenneth, of South Carolina; and Valeria Plake of Minnesota; cousins: Dyson Campbell, Bob Turner, Robert Dyson, Johnny Plake, Anna Dechert, and Karla Plake-Buffalow; nieces and nephews.