John Richard Plake, Jr.

John Richard Plake, Jr., 97, of Lumberton, graduated to his Heavenly reward on Monday, October 30, 2017, while at Harbor Hospice House in Beaumont, Texas. He was born on March 7, 1920 in Buna, Texas, to Mary “Molly” Dryden Plake and John Richard Plake Sr.

Survivors include his son, John R. Plake III and his wife, Sherry, of Lumberton; daughter, Anna Dechert and her husband, Clyde, of Silt, Colorado; and Karla Buffalow and her husband, Don, of Lumberton; sister, Emogene Stanley of Kirbyville; grandchildren, John R. Plake IV and his wife, Angela; Alese Deckard and her husband, Donnie; Amanda Davis and her husband, Mike; Stephanie Keller and her husband, Ron; Kirk Dechert and his wife, Torry; Kami Huyse and her husband, Luc; and Shea Watson and his wife, Michelle; Tricia Morgan and her husband, Stephen; great-grandchildren, Emilea Alonso and her husband, Hector; Rebekah Addison and her husband, Kody; Ana Plake; Mia Plake; Callie Deckard; Ryanne Deckard; Jodi Deckard; Madeline Dechert; Vivienne Dechert; Matthew Keller, Andrena Keller; Kyler Huyse; Chloe Huyse; Logan Huyse; Judah Davis; Jasmine Davis; Eli Morgan and Jordan Morgan; great-great-grandchildren, Joaly Alonso; Naomi Alonso; and Hector Alonso, Jr.

He is preceded in death by his wife Audery Mae Senn Plake, his parents, and five siblings.

In 1925, John Jr. moved from Buna to Beaumont with his family and attended South Park Schools, graduating from South Park High. He met and married the love of his life, Audery Mae Senn, on September 2, 1941. John worked with his dad at J.R. Plake House Moving and, when his father passed in 1954, took over the family business. After several years, John renamed the business J.R. Plake Incorporated and partnered with Leon Plake and Claude Whitmire.

John and Audery enjoyed the elk and deer hunting of Colorado and wanted to move there. So, in 1964, John sold J.R. Plake Incorporated to Leon and Claude and moved to Cortez, Colorado with his wife and their daughter Karla. In Colorado, they enjoyed many more hunts and he was an avid trout fisherman.

After 18 years, John and Audery returned to Beaumont. John continued working in construction, additionally enjoying wood work, gardening, fishing, and hunting. He retired from construction after a second heart attack.

John accepted Jesus as his savior at the age of 14, thus beginning his faith history. A short time later, He was filled with the Holy Spirit, continuing to grow in the Lord all his life. He and Audery raised their children in a home emulated with God’s love. He attended and served, often in leadership, as an active member of several full gospel churches and supported his pastors and the church. While in Beaumont and until his passing, he belonged to Cathedral in the Pines. Over the years, spiritually and professionally, John inspired both those close to him and those he only met briefly.

The family especially thanks Cristy Joy Del Resorio, his personal Angel, and all who gave special care to him, including Cristus St. Elizabeth, Jefferson Rehab, and Harbor Hospice House.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite mission project.

A gathering of Mr. Plake’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2017, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 9:30 a.m., Saturday, November 4, 2017, at Broussard’s. A graveside service will follow at 12:00 p.m., at Morse Cemetery, Buna.