Paul Plants

CERES - Paul R. Plants, 87, beloved husband, father, grandfather and servant of the Lord, went to be with Jesus Christ, his Savior, surrounded by his loving family Sunday (Dec. 15, 2024) after a short illness.
He was born Sept. 28, 1937, in Kane, to Ruben and Grace Tanner Plants. On July 19, 1958, Paul married the former Eloise Babcock and for 67 years they worked to build a family, run a farm and start a business.
Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1958. He was stationed in Fort Benning, Ga., and was recognized for several accomplishments during his active duty. When he returned to Champlin Hollow after serving in the Army, he and Eloise bought the farm owned by his parents and began six decades of raising kids and cattle.
Also at this time, Paul returned to his job at Acme Electric in Allegany, N.Y., where he would work second shift for the next 27 years. The last several years at Acme he served as plant manager. It was during the early years at Acme that he met Calvin "George" Goodwin and they immediately became friends. That friendship turned into a business partnership in 1970 when they formed Plants and Goodwin, an oilfield service company. For the next 13 years, both Paul and George worked mornings in the oilfields servicing and plugging oil wells while still maintaining their jobs on second shift at Acme Electric. In 1983 Paul left Acme Electric to devote more time at Plants and Goodwin. A few years later, George also left Acme for full-time work at Plants and Goodwin. Paul considered George to be the brother he never had and they built a bond that would not be broken until George's untimely passing in January 1997.
Paul was never the same after George's death, but continued to work at Plants and Goodwin until he was 81 years old. He enjoyed seeing the business that he and George started as two part-time employees grow to be one of the largest oil and gas well-plugging companies in the Northeast United States at his passing.
Paul was a director of the New York State Oil Producers Association (NYSOPA) for more than 40 years and served as president of NYSOPA for many years. He was also instrumental in the expansion of the Pioneer (N.Y.) Oil Museum where he also served as president for many years.
Paul was a lifelong member of Ceres United Methodist Church, where he served as lay leader for many years. In his retirement years, he enjoyed farming, spending time with his family and his dog, Ali.
He is survived by his wife, Eloise; one daughter, Bonnie (Jeff) Gustin; three sons, David (Paula) Plants, Kenneth (Sandra) Plants and Stephen (Susan) Plants; a sister, Lucy (David) Freelove; 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by a sister, Virgiline (Roy) Webb.
Family and friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 18, 2024) at Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 S. Union St., Shinglehouse, and from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday (Dec. 19, 2024) at Ceres United Methodist Church, 9287 School St., where funeral services will follow with Pastor Len Findley officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.
Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors Thursday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Paul's name may be made to Ceres United Methodist Church, 9287 School St., Shinglehouse, PA 16748; or to the Pioneer Oil Museum, 395 Main St., Bolivar NY 14715.
Paul entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Paul, please visit virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.