Ralph Anthony "Tony" Plake
Ralph Anthony “Tony” Plake was welcomed home by his Heavenly Father at 6:40 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2023. He was born in Indiana on September 27, 1962 to Jack and Cassandra (Swaim) Plake.
Tony graduated from Tipton High School in 1981 where he excelled in football and track. He furthered his education with a degree in conservation Law Enforcement from Vincennes University in 1983. After graduation he joined the Tipton Fire Department as a firefighter and EMT and worked for Young-Nichols Ambulance Service. He later worked for Nickels Bakery as a route man and a manager. Tony also enjoyed using his skill as a machinist for Plake tooling for several years. Tony was greatly involved at Kemp United Methodist Church where he assisted with the camping district and helped create the “Praise Team’.
While in Indiana, he became a father to his son Shiloh and his daughter Amanda. Moving to Texas in 2000 he would continue his civil service and become a Travis County Sheriff Deputy, proudly wearing the badge until his time of passing.
Tony was an avid woodworker, loved to fish, hunt and shoot guns. He enjoyed a good game of Texas Hold’Em. He could often be found on a good mountain bike trail, especially at Reveille Peak Ranch, one of his favorite places. He was proud to be an instructor and leader for “Start em Young”. He was loved by so many; he was very blessed.
He is survived by his son Shiloh, daughter Amanda Jackson-Weston and husband James, grandsons Mason Jackson-Weston, and Ashton Moore, mother Cassandra Plake, sister Marci Whitesell and husband Rick and niece Cassie Whitesell and nephew Andrew Whitesell, and several loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
Tony was preceded in death by his father Jack, a brother Barry and a nephew Chad Whitesell.
A celebration of life will take place on Saturday August 5, at 2:00 p.m. at Kemp United Methodist Church in Tipton with the Revs. Byron Kaiser and Brian Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until service time.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist with arrangements.
Memorial contributions in honor of Tony may be made to the Kemp United Methodist Church, 228 N. Main Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.
I’m so sorry for the family loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are for your peace and comfort at this sad time.
Cass, we are so sorry for the loss of Tony. I hadn’t seen him in many years but remember him well. May God wrap his arms around you and your family. Love & Prayers, Budge & Jeff
My sincere condolences to Cassandra Plake ,Marci Whitesell ,and the rest of the family. Tony was a great friend and classmate ,and he served Indiana and Texas well ! RIP FOREVER,TONY !
Cass and Marci, My heart aches…. Abosulutely nothing except fond memories of Tony. Genuine is the best way I can describe him, right down to his contagious laugh. God Speed Tony, You left a life long impression to all that had the pleasure to know you.
Tony was a fun, happy, and all-around great guy throughout school! Always kind, helpful, and a great football player! Although we had lost touch over the years, I have fond memories of Tony. My heart goes out to his family, especially his children and grandchildren. May God wrap you all in his loving embrace a little closer at this sorrowful and challenging time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jane (Day) Letsinger
1981 Classmate & Friend
Cass, saddened to learn of your loss. May God provide the comfort you need at this time.
Brenda Crawford
I am so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. He always had a smile and hello. May peace and comfort find each of you at this time of mourning. Angela Hogwood
Words cannot begin to express to you all my sadness for you. Tony, such a sincerely kind and loving man, cannot ever be replaced in your lives. I know how you treasure his life and will miss his presence every day. I will continue to hold you all in my heart with love and compassion. When losses like this occur in our lives, we carry on and try to give to those we continue to love. I know you will. God bless you all.
It’s been years since I’ve seen Tony, but I remember his cheerfulness and great smile. And energy! I am so sorry for your loss, Cass, and for yours, Marci and of course for yours, Shiloh and Amanda. And for other family members, who are effected by his passing. The world has lost a good man.