Thomas Steven Plunk was born March 22, 1952 in San Mateo, CA to William and Shirley Marquess Plunk. Tom served his country in the US Army and died in New Jersey at the age of 21 on September 29, 1973. He left behind a wife and daughter who was born after his death.
From Tom's sister Lorie Grogg: So Tom passed in September of 1973. Almost exactly 10 years after my dad passed. Tom was in the army and stationed in New Jersey. He and Pam were living in an apartment, I don't remember if it was on base or not. Pam was 9 months pregnant. They had a couple who were best friends. The four of them had gone out to a beach to walk and try to get Pam's labor started. Tom had gone out into the ocean a little ways, not far, but far enough he was caught up by an undertow. It seemed to be pretty strong and pulled him way out. There was a life guard or two who tried to help him, but they couldn't. I believe one of them almost drowned too. It was two weeks or so before Tom's body was discovered. In the meantime, Pam was flown in an army airplane back to Phoenix so she could be with family. Because she was due to deliver at any minute the commercial airlines wouldn't let her fly, so she had to go in an army plane. I guess it wasn't very comfortable.
Posey Moore (Nash)
This is so tragic........
Diane Dick
Horrific...
Toby Stapley (Sheets)
Ironic how Tom was trying to help his wife bring their new baby into this world by going to the beach but ended up losing his own life. So, so sad and tragic!!!
Carol Daniels (Boley)
That is one of the saddest things I have ever heard.
David Watson
From 1st through 3rd grade Tom and I and Jay Barry were best friends. After that we went to separate class rooms and never really saw much of each other, though we remained friends. In Junior High I substituted for Tom's paper route and really messed it up. He didn't ask again. Sorry Tom, it has bothered me all these years - we should have written down the addresses. Tom always seemed exceptionally mature and focussed in highschool, two things I wasn't, but I admired him. I remember him once explaining to me in track practice why I should take physics. I took it, and since I rarely studied, didn't do very well. David Tognoni (also deceased, I was sad to learn) helped me through it. Thanks David. Fortunately, when I matured a little I turned out to be good in Physics. You were right Tom.
What a sad loss. I had heard from an uncertain source that Tom had drowned, though the story I was told was very different. I've wondered about it all these years and hoped it wasn't true. I'm glad to finally know the truth, though sad to learn it was true. Thank you to his sister, who I remember very well, for taking the time to tell us his story.
Posey Moore (Nash)
CORRECTION to Tom Plunk's obituary....December 8, 2023......
He is survived by a son: Aaaron......