Mr. Plata was born September 12th, 1927 in Laredo, Texas to Canuto Plata and Maria Munoz Plata.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Brother Juan Hernandez Jr, Sisters Carmen Rodriguez, Maria Elena Contreras and son Jose Plata Jr.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Alida Cerda Plata, daughters, Criselda Plata Hernandez, Sandra Plata, Alida Plata Moore and husband, Tom, Jesusita Guel; sons David Plata, Ubence Guel, Hector Plata and wife, Alicia. Jose was truly blessed to spend time with fifteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
Jose’s selfless service began when he joined the US Army’s 54th Engineer Battalion in 1951. He was awarded the Army Occupational Medal for his duty and served in the Korean War. He loved telling the stories of his experiences from around the world. Army values such as discipline and hard work made it a seamless transition from protecting and serving his country to protecting and serving his community. He coached numerous after school programs including baseball to countless youth from surrounding areas throughout the years, as well as his main passion as a Boxing coach at the Westside Boxing Club and Ben Garza Recreation Center. He instilled the work ethic and tough love from the military upon everyone he coached. He did all this while working full time as a roofer for Sechrist-Hall Roofing Company.
Visitation will begin on Sunday, May 17, 2020, at Funeraria del Angel Memorial Holly, at 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be conducted on Monday, May 18, 2020, at Funeraria del Angel Memorial Holly. Interment will follow at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery.
Jose was a lifelong member at Primera Asamblea De Dios and asked that in lieu of flowers; memorial contributions be made to his church at 402 Cheyenne St. Corpus Christi, Texas 78405.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelMHolly.com for the Plata family.
