Darwin L. Plocher

Darwin Leonard Plocher, age 72 of Highland, IL, died Saturday, February 25, 2012, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJC) in Saint Louis, MO. He was born on Sunday, April 30, 1939, in Highland, IL, the son of Richard H. and Lucille L. (nee Koelz) Plocher. On Wednesday, June 11, 1960, he married Priscilla Mae Plocher (nee Buehler) who survives in Highland. He was a member of Evangelical United Church of Christ, Highland, IL. He was also a member of Evangelical United Church of Christ (Memorial Board Member); Woodmen of the World, Highland Lodge #105 (past President; 63 year member); Jurisdictional Board, Woodmen of the World for Illinois; Heartland Woodmen of the World - Little Egypt Camp Board, West Frankfort, IL; Helvetia Shaprshooters Society, Highland, IL; Madison County Farm Bureau; American Legion - Lee Iten Post #439, Highland, IL; Illinois Municipal Retirement Federation; Highland Jaycees (past President; Life Member). Mr. Plocher was born at Highland, IL; grew up on the family farm. He resided on the farm, northeast of Highland; that has been in his family for 169 years. Darwin graduated from Highland High School in 1957. He served six years with the U.S. Army Reserves. His employment started with the former Alton Box Board Company in Highland for 3 years; he worked for the City of Highland as a lineman for 6 years; he started in the maintenance department at Highland Community School in 1972. He retired as Head of Maintenance with over 29 years of service. In his retirement he became the Groundskeeper and Maintenance man for the Evangelical United Church of Christ for the last 5 years. He and his wife ran the concession stands for the Highland Speedway for over 25 years. Every race during the summer would find Darwin and Priscilla providing food and drinks to the attendees. He also assisted his daughter with the operation of her Tropical Sno stand in Highland for the last 5 years. Years ago, he assisted her when she managed Ken's Pizza in Highland. Darwin was Santa Claus for many organizations, schools and private homes every holiday season. He volunteered at Little Egypt Camp for over 30 years serving as counselor and cook. Mr. Plocher loved to travel; he and his wife had been all over the USA and had been to Mexico. He enjoyed visiting with friends, being with family was his number on priority. He attended his grandsons sporting events; his granddaughter, Jessica's tennis matches at Lewis & Clark College and Lindenwood University. Darwin was an avid bowler for many years; he was a Nascar-Busch Services fan and followed Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhart, Jr. Honors and Awards: -Illinois Jaycee Lifetime Membership ( as well as many, many other awards for the Jaycees) Illinois Fraternal Congress of the Year award from the Woodmen of the World Darwin was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather; he was a community volunteer, a friend to all and loved his church and God. Survivors include: Wife - Priscilla M. Plocher nee Buehler, Highland, IL Son - Dennis L. (Donna) Plocher, Highland, IL Daughter - Eva M. Moss (Life Companion Rodney A. Suhre), Highland, IL Grandchild - Jessica L. Moss (Special Friend Jon Kutz), Highland, IL Grandchild - Nicholas A. Moss, Highland, IL Grandchild - Zachary S. Plocher, Highland, IL Grandchild - Jacob B. Plocher, Highland, IL Adopted Grandchild - Brittany N. Swearingen, Posey, IL Great Grandchild - Kylee N. Moss, Highland, IL Sister In-law - Rosemary (Neal) Rieke Jr., Highland, IL Sister In-law - Linda Lindsey, Pocahontas, IL Sister In-law - Virginia (Richard) Heinz, Highland, IL Brother In-law - Robert (Donna) Cuthrell, Martinsville, IL Mother In-law - Virginia Keller, Pocahontas, IL Aunts and Uncles - Many Nieces and Nephews - Many Cousins - Many He was preceded in death by: Father - Richard H. Plocher died 9/15/1994 Mother - Lucille L. Plocher nee Koelz died 12/23/1996 Brother - Dennis Richard Plocher died 1/12/2008 Father In-law - Leroy Buehler

Darwin L. Plocher

April 30, 1939 - February 25, 2012