He was born November 2, 1932 in Peru, Illinois and moved to Port Charlotte in 1991 from Fort Lauderdale, FL. He was a Christian man and a member of the Berean Baptist Church of Port Charlotte in which he served as an usher for many years. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the US Army. He was a member of the Roller bowlers League in Port Charlotte. He was a former volunteer for Hospice in Port Charlotte. He was an avid fisherman, bowler, and a painter of beautiful sceneries. His most passionate thing of all was to make his famous peanut butter fudge in which he made to share with all his family and friends.

John is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Darlene Plake; 4 sons, Jerry Plake of Magna, UT, Dennis Plake of San Diego, CA, John Plake, Jr. of Springville, OH, and Randy Miller of Gibsonville, NC; 6 daughters, Cyndi Campbell of Eugene, OR, Keri Stonestreet of Hermitage, PA, April Painter of Sharpsville, PA, Stacy McCarrier of Port Charlotte, FL, Darla Berry of Elliot, ME, and Kelley Davis of Naperville, IL; three sisters, Thelma Miller of Greenville, PA, Roberta Penman of Hermitage, PA, and Virginia Troy of South Boston; 21 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Maxine Baker.