Willis Harold Plunkett

Brazil, Indiana

Willis Harold Plunkett, 97, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2019. Harold was born February 27, 1922 in Terre Haute to the late Luther and Anna Davis Plunkett. As a youth he attended Eighth Avenue Baptist Church and the local schools. When his family moved to Clay County they united with the Brazil First Baptist Church and he continued high school at Staunton, Indiana graduating in 1940.

Harold and Betty Snyder Plunkett were married in Lewistown, Montana (Where Harold was stationed during WWII) December 8, 1942. They enjoyed 71 years of marriage living in South Dakota, Montana, Indiana and twenty-five winters in North Fort Meyers, Florida, while there they attended Sun Coast Baptist Church. 

Harold was preceded in death by his wife Betty, brothers, Lloyd and Donald; brother-in-law,Robert Snyder, sisters-in-law, Patricia Kibby Plunkett, Verta Love Snyder, Delores Lloyd, Rosemary Tanner, and granddaughter, Jodi Lee Brown.

Survivors include daughters, Sharon Ann Mishler, Deborah (Jordie) Brown, Peggy (Steve) Gill; sister, Rosalee (Zeb) Mullenix; brother, Robert (Dianna) Plunkett; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Plunkett and Helen Plunkett. Grandchildren, Michelle (Rob) Smith, Laura (Gary) Lineberry, Chad Mishler, Chris (Tia) Mishler, Samantha Brown, Jordan (Niki) Brown, Karin (Jay) Gill, Ellen (Drew) Gill. Ten Great-Grandchildren, Ethan, Ryan, and Andrew Smith, Payton Lineberry, Noah Mishler, Grace Mishler, Jordan Ray, and Nicolas Brown, Josie Shropshire, Vera Overton and many fond nieces and nephews.

Harold served 4 years in the Army Air Corp during WWII as a radio operator on the B-17 “Peggy O’Neil" and ball turret gunner on the B-17 “Wiley Witch” flying 56 missions out of N. Africa and Italy, the 49th squadron, Second Bomb Group. His awards included the Purple Heart. In 2010 Harold had the privilege of being part of Honor Flight Lone Eagle. In later years he was invited to serve as a spokesperson at air shows about the B-17 as well as other programs about WWII and had email friends from all over the U.S.A. 

When Harold returned from service he operated Plunkett’s Feed Store in Brazil and then Center Point. When he sold the feed mill he donated the property for the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department. He then worked at Helman Field FAA retiring in 1982. Harold spent many years as a Sunday School teacher, song leader, and deacon at Brazil First Baptist Church. He also was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity locally and while living in Florida. Harold rarely missed attending Sunday concerts in the park. Harold enjoyed years of singing, playing mandolin and banjo in various groups. He enjoyed the YMCA, prayer breakfasts, Monday breakfasts at the VFW and appreciated the dedicating and services provided to all veterans by our local VFW and American Legion. Always looking to the future, he was the first person to commit to the Towne Park Assisted Living and appreciated the support and kindness of the entire staff. They created a caring community of friends. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Moore Funeral Home in Brazil with Pastor Steve Blzydes officiating and private burial at Clearview Cemetery. The family will accept friends for visitation on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brazil First Baptist Church or the Brazil YMCA.