John Edward Plunkett of Grapevine, Arkansas was born August 13, 1930 at the Ain Community in Grant County, the son of the late Alva and Gladys Belle Johnson Plunkett. He was a member of First Immanuel Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, a 1948 graduate of Grapevine High School, and had formerly served in the United States Marine Corp. as an airplane mechanic during the Korean conflict. Mr. Plunkett worked for Cotton Belt/Southern Pacific Railroad for over 40 years as a car foreman until his retirement in 1991.

Mr. Plunkett died Sunday, April 4, 2010 at Sheridan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 79. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister, LaVeta Ashcraft; and two brothers, Havis and Osborne Plunkett.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Mary Zelma Fee Plunkett of Grapevine. They were married February 3, 1951; Sons, Ricky Edward Plunkett of Grapevine and Russell Duane Plunkett and wife Elizabeth of Grapevine.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home chapel in Sheridan. Burial will be in Ain Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Memorials may be made to First Immanuel Baptist Church, 1500 73rd Ave, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603.