Pastor Tim Hodge of the New Holland (PA) Grace Brethren Church, has shared with us this news of the homegoing of a well-known member of his church.
On Thursday, August 17, 2006, family and friends of George Platt Sr. were shocked and saddened at his sudden passing. George (aged 74) was a wonderful man who served the Lord wholeheartedly right up until the Lord took him home.
Throughout the years, many lives have been touched through the serving ministry of George and his dear wife Florence. Apart from being a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, George was always busy serving others.
The New Holland Grace Brethren Church (Lancaster County, PA), where George and Florence are members, will definitely feel the impact of his absence. A lot of people got to know George through his involvement as a volunteer at Camp Conquest, the Grace Brethren Camp serving the North Atlantic Fellowship. George served as a cook (usually Head Cook) for a minimum of one week per year, plus numerous other camp and church-related events.
George and Florence had only just returned from serving as cooks for the Grace Brethren ministry in Canada. Just before his passing he was preparing to continue his service as a Sunday school teacher, a role that God has used him in for many years.
Throughout his life, George served his country (army), his community (election supervisor & fire company chaplain), his church (teacher, deacon, food service coordinator, etc.), and his family (George was helping his son install new kitchens – something he loved to do – when the Lord took him home).
His passing was sudden and unexpected. His devotion to God was inspiring. His servant heart was remarkable. He will be missed greatly, which in itself is a statement that testifies of a life well-lived.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, August 21, 2006, at 11 a.m. at New Holland Grace Brethren Church, (415 S. Kinzer Ave), with the Rev. Tim Hodge officiating. Interment will be in Cedar Grove Presbyterian Cemetery.
Viewing will be held at the church on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Monday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Memorial contributions in honor of George may be made to Camp Conquest, 480 Forest Road, Denver, PA 17517 or to New Holland Grace Brethren Church.
Arrangements are with Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland. To submit condolences to the family, visit www.groffeckenroth.com
A note in this coming Sunday’s bulletin from the Ephrata (PA) Grace Brethren Church (Kim Robertson, pastor) says, “We extend our sympathy to Florence Platt and her family. Her husband George went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 17. He was well-known for his cooking at Camp Conquest and other activities, as well as serving as one of our babysitters during communion services.”
Obituary
George R. Platt, Sr., 74, of 1284 Martin Street, East Earl, PA, died unexpectedly Thursday, August 17, 2006. He is survived by his wife Florence E. (Huey) Platt with whom he shared 52 years of marriage.
Born in DuBois, he was the son of the late John C. and Iva V. (Plank) Platt. George was a retired First Sergeant of the U.S. Army, having served during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Era. He had been stationed in Japan, France, Germany, Korea and Vietnam.
Following retirement from the Army, George attended night classes at Lancaster Bible College and attained a bachelor’s degree. He was employed with Victor Weaver and Tyson Chicken from 1970 to 1994 as a master plumber and maintenance worker.
George was a member of New Holland Grace Brethren Church where he served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher and Food service coordinator. He was a cook at the Camp Conquest (church camp). He was Blue Ball Fire Company Chaplain and also enjoyed gardening, helping his son, reading and his great-granddaughters.
Surviving in addition to his wife, are his daughters: Rebecca A. Smith of Jemison, Alabama; Deborah L. Whitcraft of Ephrata, and Linda S. Gosnay of Douglassville; his sons: George R. Platt, Jr. of Narvon and Charles W. Platt of Carmel, IN; six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.
Also surviving are sisters Jane Salada and Betty Dunlap, and brother Richard W. Platt, all of DuBois and brother John C. Platt of Palmyra, VA. He was preceded in death by a daughter Janet Marie Platt and a sister Helen LaBenne.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 21, 2006, at 11 a.m. at Grace Brethren Church, 415 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, with the Rev. Tim Hodge officiating. Interment will be in Cedar Grove Presbyterian Cemetery. Viewing will be held at the church on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Monday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Memorial contributions in honor of George may be made to Camp Conquest, 480 Forest Road, Denver, PA 17517 or to New Holland Grace Brethren Church. Arrangements are with Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.
