of Clarksville, AR
May 4, 1945 - December 12, 2020
Earl Dean Plank, known as Dean Plank to friends and family passed away surrounded by family on December 12, 2020 at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas at 8:51 PM. He was born May 4, 1945, in Clarkston, WA, to Ervine Plank-Periman and Elton Plank.
He was dedicated to serving his country until 1971 in the United States Army, Mr. Plank served in the Special Forces Unit, notably as a Green Beret. Mr. Plank retired from Arkansas Nuclear One, subsequent to his retirement he remained at his residence with his wife Bobbie Plank in Lamar, Arkansas, enjoying his spare time with his children, grandchildren and sharing his lifelong lessons with students at Inferno Martial Arts Schools alongside his son Kaleb Plank. Mr. Plank was tenured in Martial Arts, he was also a natural born artist who enjoyed creating life size dinosaurs out of scrap metal, collecting special edition cars, traveling with his wife and family, and continued to cultivate lifelong friends and memories.
Dean is preceded in death by his Mother, Ervine Plank-Periman; Father Elton Plank; Stepfather Richard Periman; two brothers Dale Plank and Douglas Plank.
He is survived by his wife Bobbie Plank of Lamar, Arkansas; Son Kyle Plank of Lamar, Arkansas; daughter Kelie Plank of Denver, Colorado; son Kaleb Plank and wife Jennifer Plank of Bentonville, Arkansas; stepdaughter Angela Wade of Lamar, Arkansas; stepson David Wade of Lamar, Arkansas; grandchildren Kyler Plank-McMurtry, grandson, currently serving in military. Caitlin Wade granddaughter of Lamar, Arkansas; Timothy and Christopher Barber grandsons; Ashley Barber granddaughter; great grandchildren; Grace and Daniel. Siblings: Duane Plank, David Plank, Darrell Plank, Debi Periman, Denise Periman, and Doyle Periman.
Graveside service will be 1:30 PM Monday, December 14, 2020 at Minnow Creek Cemetery with Danny Dring officiating. Burial will follow.
We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks.
Sign Guestbook
30 Condolence(s)
Ken Partain
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Bobbie, So sorry for our loss, enjoyed the many visits we had when Dean stopped on his trips from home to Russellville, for many years. He was always learning what he didn’t know about or teaching others what he did know, which was a vast amount of knowledge. He cared for others and willing to help anyone anytime. One of the few, and best, I ever knew that was talented with what ever was available to him at the time. He enjoyed visiting with my wife’s Mother to talk about quilts until she was almost 90. Dean has been and will be greatly missed at the store. Our prayers are with you and the family. Again, so sorry and truly a great loss to many,
Ethan D Plank
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Ill miss our conversation Uncle. Ill often keep you in my thoughts. Love you lots.
Ethan Plank
Doyle Caldwell
Friday, December 18, 2020
I remember Dean coming to our house with my brother Dale, or Darrell, or both, one night. We had a great time listening to Dean tell funny stories. I have thought about that night many times through the years. He was a friendly person and I had a lot of respect for him.
Praying for the family.
Ed Force
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Rest In Peace Dean your earthly journey is over.
David Thompson
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
I worked with Dean for many years at ANO. He will be truly missed.
Laura George
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
So sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. I enjoyed the times we worked together. Sending prayers for the family.
Erin Stevens
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Our thoughts & prayers are with you. I wish I would have found out sooner so we could be there for you like you’ve always been there for us. He was a great man who raised very special people. He touched the lives of many... directly & through you all. Much love, thoughts & prayers. Erin & Jimmie Stevens (& boys)
Dale Smith
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Sincerest condolences to family. Dean was a unique individual possessed of wisdom and strength and what he could do to a soda can with just a pointed finger. I am still amazed. May you rest in peace my friend.
Jeffrey Randles
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
May the Lord Grant you his peace, Dean was an extraordinary individual and I am blessed having known him.
God bless you all
Steve and Shuree Owens
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Worked with Dean in the 80s/90s chatted occasionally thereafter. Dean is a great example of a life well lived and a mind well developed. May his memory be a blessing.
Fred and Marlene Dougan
Monday, December 14, 2020
Prayers for your family.
Shannon Walters
Monday, December 14, 2020
Dean was a good man to work with, we had many good laughs together. May the Lord bless and comfort all of the family.
Robey Reese
Monday, December 14, 2020
he was a good and great person he loved his country was the best hp i ever worked with
Dora Fox Grigsby
Monday, December 14, 2020
Our condolences and prayers ðŸ™. Such a great man. So good to have met you and Bobbie.
Jan and Marlin Fletcher
Monday, December 14, 2020
Bobbie and family, we just found out about Dean and there are just no words to express our sorrow. May you feel the loving arms of Christ around you as you continue your earthly journey without him.
Charles Ovee
Monday, December 14, 2020
Thanks for being friend and coworker. You will be missed.
Earl j. Plank
Monday, December 14, 2020
Your legacy is those you leave behind . Your inspiration and determination to those who follow. It gives me peace knowing that you were and are a great man to all who loved you.
Lyndsi Sluyter
Monday, December 14, 2020
I was glad to have met you. You have left a legacy that will inspire people for years to come. Rest in Peace Mr. Dean Plank.
Janie Walker
Monday, December 14, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort and peace for your family. Much love , Janie
Jerry-Aleta Goodman
Sunday, December 13, 2020
Our prayers are with the family
Janelle Stall
Sunday, December 13, 2020
My condolences to your family!
Cathy Buffington
Sunday, December 13, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Dean Plank was one of the best people that I know. He always thought of others before himself. I remember him and his peanut butter sandwiches in his boots at work. He was loved by all of the people that he worked with.. May he rest in peace. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for all of his family..
MIKEL MCINTOSH
Sunday, December 13, 2020
The world is diminished by the passing of our friend Dean Plank. Logger, green beret, back-country pilot, nuclear professional, but more importantly a caring neighbor and a good friend. Rest in peace Dean Plank, we got this.
Ellen Plank
Sunday, December 13, 2020
“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.†– Helen Keller
Love you Uncle Dean!
Billy Richardson
Sunday, December 13, 2020
Always had great conversations with Dean, had much respect for him!! Prayers for all the family!!
Karen Kibler
Sunday, December 13, 2020
Fly high Dean, you will be missed by many, always loved the conversations and the wisdom attached to the end! Condolences to the family!
Becky and jimmy Mcguire
Sunday, December 13, 2020
So very sorry! Prayers for family!
Don Marvel
Sunday, December 13, 2020
Rest in peace Dean, prayers for your family. Thanks for all the memories both as a friend and coworker.
Dupree T Allen (Skip)
Sunday, December 13, 2020
You were a very special friend. I cant say enough to convey my feelings right now. I will miss our time and projects together. Rest in Pease my friend.
Ashley Russell
Sunday, December 13, 2020
Dean you are going to be greatly miss we love you prayers for the family sorry for your loss