Herbert Plake

Herbert Plake, 76, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 21, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Herb was born on August 10, 1947 to his parents, John Plake and Letha (Likens) Plake. On February 12, 1971 Herb married the love of his life, Susan (McNew) Plake, and the two were blessed to share 53 years together. 

Herb graduated from Tipton High School in the class of 1966. He earned an associate degree in Carpentry from Ivy Tech.  After school, Herb proudly served in the United States Marine Corp. When Herb returned to civilian life, he began working for Delco Electronics; and after 32 years of employment, he retired in 1998. 

Herb was a true patriarch and had the respect of his family. Herb and Susan had a busy home, raising five children. They had no other choice but to depend on one another and be a strong team. Of course, no marriage is perfect, but Herb and Susan’s love and loyalty to one another has been an inspiration to their children through the years.  

Herb was incredibly committed to his family. His faith was important to him; his gentle spirit and kind ways were always proof of his devotion. He was an animal lover, and always had a dog that he treated as well or better than he did his children.  Herb’s soft heart especially showed through later in his life when he became a grandpa. He was so proud of each of his grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to brag about them.  

In Herb’s spare time, you may have found him fishing, watching stockcar racing, doing yard work, looking after his garden, or feeding his sweet tooth with ice cream or frozen coke. Herb always had a way of putting people at ease. He was easygoing, enjoyable to spend time with, and could always be counted on for comic relief. He has left behind a family who are all very grateful for the impact he made on each of their lives. Herb will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him!   

Those left to carry on Herb’s legacy of love are his wife, Susan Plake; children, Tracey (Todd) Fisher, Jodi (Drew) Holmes, Matt (Lydia) Plake, Mike (Annette) Plake, Joe (Heather) Plake; grandchildren, Gavin (Brynn) Fisher, Grace (John) Sherwood, Grant Fisher, Gwyn Fisher, Bailey (Josh) Gue, Riley (Katie) Hawkins, Kylee Mae Holmes, Matt Carter, Brandon Wimsat, Gage Plake, Nick Plake, Kenzie Plake, great grandchildren; Maizy Fisher, Monroe Sherwood, Paul Gue, Mickey Jo Gue, and another on the way (due in August). Herb is also survived by his twin brother, Gene (Pat) Plake; beloved dog, Cookie; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Herb was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, John and Letha Plake; siblings, Sonny Plake, Ann Miller, Rose Brown, Shirley Plake, Sharon Addison, Phil Plake; and beloved dog, Mugsy.  

A funeral service celebrating Herb’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church, located at 400 Oak St. in Tipton, with Pastor Jared Williams officiating. Visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the church. Burial, with full military honors, will be held directly after the service at Tipton’s Fairview Cemetery. 

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Plake family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Herb with his family on his tribute wall.   

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