William Darrel Plato

William D. Plato, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Garfield, TX on May 9, 2008 after an extended illness. Bill was born on May 9, 1926 to Lelia and Howard Plato in Jersey County, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Myron; sister, Eva; first wife, June; second wife, Wanda; and sons, Michael and Tony. He is survived by Dorothy, his loving wife of 11 years; sons, Pat Plato (Debra) and John Plato; daughters, Melodie Downs and husband John, Daralou Belletierre and husband Jerry, DeeAnn Pierce and husband Gary; stepchildren, Pamela Annas, Michael Annas and wife Beverly, Robyn Peralez and Steven Annas; grandchildren, Matthew, Elaine, William, Misty, Jennifer, Michael, Gary and Michelle; step-grandchildren, John, Courtney, Adrienne, Brianna, Savannah and Christopher. Also, several nieces, nephews, great grandchildren and his beloved dog, Puddin' Pi. Bill served in the U.S. Army during WWII earning the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and also in Co. C Airborne School Regiment, Fort Benning, GA. He worked for the Austin American Statesman as a mechanist for many years retiring in 1988. His many joys included carpentry, gardening and working in the yard. A religious man, the woodworking project he was most proud of is the beautiful cross that hangs in Haynie Chapel Methodist Church where he was a member for many years. The family would especially like to thank Barbara, Carol, Edith and Yvonne of Texas Home Health Hospice and Dr. Fred Griffiths and his staff at House Call Doctors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Texas Home Health Hospice or a charity of their choosing. Visitation will be on Friday, May 16, 2008 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX. Services will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Haynie Chapel Methodist Church in Garfield, TX. Interment will follow at Haynie Chapel Cemetery.