Jerry L. Plunk

Jerry L. Plunk, 64, of Dover passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Union Hospital in Dover.

Born on June 25, 1945 in Beaumont, Texas, he was the son of the late Roger Marcus and Flora Nella Hodgkinson Plunk. He graduated from Garaway High School in 1963. Shortly after graduation, he entered the United States Navy where he served his country during the Vietnam War. Later, he attended Kent State University Tuscarawas, where he studied toward a degree in criminal justice. After 36 years of service, Jerry retired from GTE/Verizon.

On June 15, 1974, he married the love of his life, Paula Kennedy. During their 35 years of marriage, they enjoyed traveling all over the United States on their motorcycle. Their travels included all but five states. They were looking forward to a trip to Hawaii next year.

Jerry received police officer training from O.P.O.T.A (Ohio Police Officer Training Academy). He volunteered many hours to the Dover Police Reserves where he worked over 22 years. He also served with the Minerva Police Reserves and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxillary.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Dover, Charter Member of the Blue Knights of Ohio # XVII, the Tuscarawas Masonic Lodge at Dover since 1978, Scottish Rite Valley of Canton, New Philadelphia Elks, life member of the Dover VFW, American Legion, and the Navy Salisbury Sound.

Jerry was a caregiver by nature. He enjoyed helping his friends and neighbors wherever and whenever they needed him. He enjoyed gardening and had a love for all animals. He leaves behind his faithful canine friends, Skee-lo and Guinness, as well as his two cats, Sammie and Quincee. Skee-lo and Marcus, where by his side when he fell ill.

Jerry was very proud of his family. In addition to his wife, Paula, he will be sadly missed by his mother, Flora Plunk of Navarre, his daughter, Melissa and his very special son in-law Kevin Ashcraft of Dover; his son, Marcus Plunk of Dover; a grandson, Aiden Ashcraft of Dover who referred to his grandpa as, "Papa"; sister, Brenda (husband, William) Stauffer of Sunbury, Ohio, father in-law, Raymond S. Kennedy of Dover along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his mother in-law, Evelyn Kennedy.

In keeping with Jerry's wishes, he will be cremated, and a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 11:00 am in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory in Dover with Pastor Bruce McLaughlin officiating. Inurnment will take place following the service at Dover Burial Park where the Dover VFW will conduct a military graveside honors. A reception will follow in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, November 23, 2009 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm with Masonic services at 5:45pm. Those who cannot attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Jerry may sign the online register book by visiting the "obituaries" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

Toland-Herzig, Dover
330 343-6132