Obituary for Franklin P. Platts Jr.
Franklin P. Platts, Jr., 84, of Pottsville, passed away on Christmas Day with his family by his side at Schuylkill Medical Center East Norwegian Street, Pottsville. Born in York, PA on July 21, 1930, he was the only child of the late Margaret Louise (Rice) and Franklin P. Platts, Sr. Frank was a graduate of William Penn High School, York, PA and Penn State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Frank worked as a Professor of Engineering at Penn State University, Schuylkill Campus for 40 years, retiring in 1997. His life revolved around his family and his students, where he received several teaching awards throughout the years. When Frank's granddaughter, Breana Brennan was eleven years old she wrote this school essay "My Modern Day Hero" about her grandfather: "The person I most look up to and respect is my grandfather, Frank. He served his country in the Korean War. If his family needed him he was there. I think he is a very good role model because he is such a dedicated husband, father, and most of all grandfather. He was a dedicated teacher also for 40 years at Penn State University. While teaching there he received many awards for his dedication and service. Even though he was retired for many years, many of the teachers and his students still come to visit him. He retired the year I was born, so I kept him very busy. He would take me for walks and we would stop at playgrounds along the way. He would play games with me and let me win (and still does). He is a very special person to me. One time he let me paint his fingernails and put barrettes in his hair. Then my Nan asked if he would go to the store and boy, was he embarrassed when he went to pay and realized his nails were still painted. But, he didn't get mad, he just laughed about it. He never worried what others thought of his silliness when it came to making others around him happy. He was always well grounded and tried to teach his family the same way of life. Life wasn't always easy for him and he relayed that to me in a lot of stories about when he was a child. He was poor and did not have any of the conveniences that we have today. The events that he lived through, for example, The Great Depression, World War II, President Kennedy assassination, just to name a few. Finally, now when he is getting older and can't do the things he used to do with me, I realize how lucky I am to have him. Some kids my age don't even have grandparents I have alot of good memories of the times we spent together, and I hope to have many more. I think he is courageous because he risked his life for our country in the Korean War and if asked he wouldn't change a thing in his life. He worked and sacrificed to make sure his kids had a better life than he had." He is survived by his wife, Donalene "Donna" M. (Houck) Platts to whom he was married for 62 years; two daughters, Deborah A., wife of Van Howard, of Vancleave, MS; Theresa M., wife of Scott Brennan, of Pottsville; two sons Steven M., husband of Jayne Platts, of Pottsville; John J., husband of Jacqueline Ann Platts, of Palmerton; grandchildren: Michael J., Jessica Lynn, Steven J., Kelly Ann, Joseph F., Breana M.; nine great grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Church, 913 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30th, with Rev. David J. Loeper officiating. A viewing will be held at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc., 1818 Mahantongo St., Pottsville on Monday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. and Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the procession will leave for church. Interment will follow in St. John #2 Cemetery, Pottsville. The family request contributions in Franklin's memory be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942. Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at lordbixler.com
Service:
10:30 a.m.
St. John the Baptist Church 913 Mahantongo St. Pottsville
Visitation:
December 29th 6-8:00 p.m. December 30th 9:00 a.m.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. 1818 Mahantongo St. Pottsville
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Service:
10:30 a.m.
St. John the Baptist Church 913 Mahantongo St. Pottsville
Visitation:
December 29th 6-8:00 p.m. December 30th 9:00 a.m.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. 1818 Mahantongo St. Pottsville
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