Kenneth James Plank

Kenneth James Plank was born January 11, 1941 in Harrisonburg, VA to Marvin and Mildred (Wenger) Plank. He passed peacefully from earth into the presence of Jesus on Friday January 9, 2026.

In June 1959 he graduated from Eastern Mennonite School in Harrisonburg, VA. He was known for his generous laugh and quiet personality. Following high school he worked for his father in their Home Heating business in Scottdale, PA. He was a loyal and faithful employee, giving much attention to detail. He served as an orderly at Brooklane Psychiatric Hospital in Hagerstown, MD as part of his 1-W Alternative Service. He was employed in HVAC for 50 years, working for R.F. Zeigler, Miller & Anderson, and most recently at M.S. Johnston.

On July 4, 1964 he married Eloise Thomas, and remained married for 61 years. Ken and Eloise began their family in 1966 with the surprise arrival of tiny twin daughters, rather than the anticipated 10-pound baby boy. Their son arrived in 1970. They lived simply and authentically, with a pop-up tent camper providing hours of camping fun with family that extended from Pennsylvania to Illinois to Iowa.

Ken served on the Membership Drive Committee at the YMCA, for decades instructed evening apprenticeship classes in HVAC for Associated Builders and Contractors, and served in the WCPS Mentor Program forming lasting friendships with mentees - some which remained his whole life.

He was a Trustee at Hebron Mennonite Church for 50 years, serving faithfully and quietly while bringing expertise to all manner of building and property concerns. He was frequently the first one to answer a call for help at the church. His family was often the first to arrive and very last to leave each Sunday. His dependability and devotion to the church were appreciated.

Ken was a quiet encourager of all people he met, modeling a solid work ethic to his family, employers, students, and mentees throughout his entire life. He was a good steward of all that was entrusted to him.

After retirement, he enjoyed riding his Zero-turn mower, and spending winter months in Sarasota, FL. He and Eloise pulled their R-pod, and later travel trailer, to Florida enjoying new friendships, sun and warmer temperatures for many years. He avidly followed Sarasota weather & temperature and could often be heard telling family members what he was missing when not in Florida.

Ken and Eloise enjoyed their Bichons Polly, then Poppy. They spent hours watching the news, or reading, and sitting quietly together with their dog.

Their Leichty grandchildren enjoyed holidays at Grandpa's house, often writing and performing plays with their Hagerstown cousins in the basement, complete with costumes, props and scenery changes. Several of these treasured videos remain, to the family's delight. Their Hagerstown grandchildren enjoyed sharing dance recitals, swim meets, soccer games, homeschool events and everyday life with Pop Pop.

Ken is survived by his wife Eloise, daughters Jenny (Jim) Blazes, Becky (Kerry) Leichty, and son Matt (Julie Kim) Plank. Grandchildren Elliott (Mary) Leichty, Kathryn (Michael) Thomas, Anna (Kaleb) Jentzsch, Evan (Caty) Leichty, Jill (Daniel) Anderson, Grant (Holly) Leichty, Christian Blazes, Soren Plank, and Veronica Plank. Great-grandchildren Alice, Rosemary, Elisha, and Hyacinth. Siblings Sam (MaryAnn) Plank, Ruby (Tim) Hurst, and Goldie (Lloyd) Kuhns.

Ken will be remembered as a steady and dependable husband, father, and grandpa. He was a man of quiet faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He will be greatly missed by both family and friends. We rejoice and are comforted that we will one day be reunited with him in Glory.

A celebration of life for Ken Plank will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 2 o'clock pm at Hebron Mennonite Church in Hagerstown (13315 Highlane Street).

The family will receive friends and family at visitation at the church one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hebron Mennonite Church.