Lyle Plank Obituary

Our family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Lyle Ottis Plank, 91, who departed this life while surrounded by family on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Lyle was born May 14, 1934, in Sabetha, Kansas to Ottis Plank and Lorraine (Middendorf) Plank.

Following a family move to Indiana, he graduated from Gaston’s Harrison Township High School in 1952. Lyle proudly served in the United States Army, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. After an honorable discharge from the service, Lyle worked at Western Electric and Ford Motor Company before attending IUPUI, graduating in 1973. He dedicated many years of his professional life as an IRS Agent. Lyle was a man of diverse interests. An avid fan of the Indy 500, he possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of its stats and every race car driver. He obtained his private pilot’s license. He loved all sports, especially Indiana high school basketball, Cincinnati Reds and the IU Hoosiers. A true history scholar, Lyle enjoyed reading, learning and traveling to Civil War and WW II sites. In an era before streaming, he was famously known for his diligent VCR recordings of Jeopardy, ensuring no moment was missed. Lyle attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Evansville and was a former member of Faith Lutheran Church in Greenfield and Zion Lutheran Church in New Palestine.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Cynthia Howell-Plank of Evansville, and his devoted daughter, Kim (John) Lowe of New Palestine. He leaves behind his siblings, Eldon (Barbara) Plank of Pendleton and Karen (DeWayne) Roland of Greenfield. Lyle was a cherished grandfather to nine, great-grandfather to fourteen, and a great-great-grandfather to two, with one more on the way. Lyle was preceded in death by his first beloved wife of 58 years, Gloria (Magee) Plank, his son Doug Plank, his great-great-grandson Mason Marburgh, and his parents.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 14 at 11:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church in New Palestine. Friends and family may gather from 10:00 am until the start of the service. Burial will follow at Glen Cove Cemetery in Knightstown. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and Knightstown American Legion Post 152. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lyle's memory may be made to More Than Bricks at Zion Lutheran School, 6513 W 300 S, New Palestine, IN 46163.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service, Knightstown Chapel. Condolences and memories of Lyle may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com.