Paul R. Plants “beloved husband, father, grandfather, and servant of the Lord”
CERES, PA---Paul R. Plants went to be with Jesus Christ his Savior surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at the age of 87 after a short illness.
He was born on September 28, 1937 in Kane, PA to Ruben and Grace Tanner Plants. On July 19, 1958, Paul married the former Eloise Babcock and for 67 years they worked to build a family, run a farm, and start a business.
Paul enlisted in the Army in 1958 where he was stationed in Fort Benning, GA and was recognized for several accomplishments during his active duty.
When he returned to Champlin Hollow after serving in the Army, he and Eloise bought the farm owned by his parents and began six decades of raising kids and cattle. Also at this time, Paul returned to his job at Acme Electric in Allegany, NY, where he would work second shift for the next 27 years. The last several years at Acme he served as plant manager.
It was during the early years at Acme that he met Calvin “George” Goodwin and they immediately became friends. That friendship turned into a business partnership in 1970 when they formed Plants and Goodwin, an oilfield service company. For the next 13 years, both Paul and George worked mornings in the oilfields servicing and plugging oil wells while still maintaining their jobs on second shift at Acme Electric.
In 1983 Paul left Acme Electric to devote more time at Plants and Goodwin. A few years later, George also left Acme for full time work at Plants and Goodwin. Paul considered George to be the brother he never had and they built a bond that would not be broken until George’s untimely passing in January of 1997.
Paul was never the same after George’s death, but continued to work at Plants and Goodwin until he was 81 years old. He enjoyed seeing the business that he and George started as two part-time employees grow to be one of the largest oil and gas well plugging companies in the Northeast United States at his passing.
Paul was a Director of the New York State Oil Producers Association (NYSOPA) for over 40 years and served as President of NYSOPA for many years. He was also instrumental in the expansion of the Pioneer Oil Museum of NY where he also served as President for many years.
Paul was a life-long member of the Ceres United Methodist Church where he served as lay leader for many years.
In his retirement years, he enjoyed farming, spending time with his family and his dog Ali.
He is survived by his wife Eloise; one daughter, Bonnie (Jeff) Gustin; three sons David (Paula) Plants, Kenneth (Sandra) Plants, and Stephen (Susan) Plants; a sister, Lucy (David) Freelove; 10 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by a sister Virgiline (Roy) Webb.
Family and friends may call from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, PA and from 10am to 12 noon on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the Ceres United Methodist Church, 9287 School Street, Ceres, where funeral services will follow at 12 noon with Pastor Len Findley, officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Ceres.
Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Thursday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Paul’s name may be made to the Ceres United Methodist Church, 9287 School Street, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 or to the Pioneer Oil Museum of NY. 395 Main Street, Bolivar NY 14715.
Paul entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express
condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Paul, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
