Barry A. Plake

Barry PlakeBarry Alan Plake, 43 formerly of Tipton went to live with his heavenly father on April 23, 2010, dying at his residence in Englewood, Colorado.  He was born in Tipton on July 30, 1966, the son of Jack E. and Cassandra (Swaim) Plake.He was a 1984 graduate of Tipton High School where he participated in track and cross country, earning his T-Men jacket.  He attended Ball State University for three years earning honors and developing many close friendships.  He served two years of active service in the U.S. Army and six years in the Army Reserve.  Returning to school, he graduated from the University of Arizona where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.  Many of his fraternity brothers became lifelong friends.  Following graduation, he lived in Las Vegas and attended the University of Southern Nevada.  He belonged to the American Legion and was a former member of Kemp United Methodist Church and the Tipton Elks Lodge 1012.Barry is survived by his mother, Cassandra Plake of Goldsmith, his brother Tony and Barbara Plake of Hutto, Texas and sister Marcina and Rick Whitesell of Tipton; nieces Amanda Plake and Calen Smith and nephew Brandon Ryan of Hutto, Texas, nephew Shiloh Plake of Noblesville, niece Cassie Whitesell of Tipton, nephews Chad Whitesell of Indianapolis, and Andrew Whitesell of Tipton, and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.   He was preceded in death by his father, Jack E. Plake, his grandparents Howard & Mary Swaim and grandmother Ruby Plake Fox.Barry was a tremendous sports fan, he loved them all!  Regardless of where he lived, he returned home every May and attended the Indianapolis 500.  The highlight of his sports life was the year "his" Arizona wildcats won the NCAA basketball tournament in Indianapolis.Barry loved life and his family and many friends.A memorial service will be held Saturday May 1, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kemp United Methodist Church in Tipton with Rev. Phil Collier presiding.  The family will receive friends at the church 1 hour prior to the service.Memorial donations may be made to the Kemp United Methodist Church, 228 N. Main Street Tipton, Indiana 46072, or the Tipton High School Class of 1961 Educational Fund in honor of Jack Plake, % First Farmers Bank 825 E. Jefferson Street Tipton, Indiana 46072.