Ira W. Plank

IRA W. PLANK, 80 of Arthur, IL passed away at 4:50 P.M. on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at the Arthur Mennonite Church. 710 East Park Street in Arthur, IL. Pastor Glen Rhodes will officiate. Burial will be in the Arthur Cemetery. Visitation will be held 2 hours before the funeral at the church, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Ira was born on March 31, 1945 in Plain City, Ohio, a son of William J. and Fannie (Helmuth) Plank. He married Charlene Schrock on April 16, 1966 in Westville, IN, they divorced in 1973. He later married Doreen (Hynes) Gentry in 1982 in Arthur, she passed away on February 3, 2000. He later married Sherry C. (Yoder) Benson on February 24, 2004 in New Orleans, LA.

He is survived by his wife Sherry of Arthur, IL; three daughters Sheila Dukeman and her husband Michael of Arcola, IL, Connie Black and her husband Rob of Decatur, IL, and Lydia Miller and her husband Justin of Charleston, IL and; two grandsons, Austin Lewis Hopkins and his fiancé Molly Mahannah of Mattoon, IL and Trevin Nicholas Plank of Arcola, IL; one granddaughter, Sydni Elder and her husband Justin of Decatur, IL; two great-grandchildren, Maxwell and Tatum Elder; one brother, Bill Plank of Arthur, IL, and four sisters, Mary Beachy of Plain City, OH, Ida Vannatta and her husband Rich of Hilliard, OH, Ruby Raber and her husband Ben of New Berlin, OH, and Verba Herschberger and her husband Freeman of Sugar Creek, OH, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Charlene Eastman, his second wife Doreen Plank, a grandson, Max Hendrix, a brother-in-law, Pete Beachy and a sister-in-law Rose Plank.

Ira was an over the road trucker for over 50 years and has logged 4 million miles. He owned his own trucking company, Plank Enterprises, and at one time had seven drivers.

Ira was a big NASCAR fan, Dale Ernhardt being his favorite driver. He enjoyed tinkering in his shop and spending time with his family.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.