William Plank

William "Bill" Marvin Plank

October 23, 1933 - January 13, 2026

William, "Bill", Plank was born on October 23, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri, to John Raymond Plank and Meda Ellen Gibbs Plank. He grew up in Salem, Missouri, and graduated from high school there. He had a short stint at the Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, Missouri, before he decided to head back to St. Louis staying with his beloved Uncle Larry & Aunt Vera, who took him under their wings. One evening while strolling downtown he saw people dancing at a Ray Quinlan dance studio. He thought it looked like fun and enrolled in some dance lessons. Without realizing it, he had enrolled in a teacher training program! Thus began his lifelong passion and love of dancing-Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Cha-Cha, you name it he knew it!

Not making too much money, a buddy and him joined the Air Force. This brought Bill to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Before this time, he had never experienced a dust storm. Things were going to get even more exciting for him as he met the love of his life in San Antonio. Joining Arthur Murray's as a part-time instructor during some free evenings, he met Lorraine Gold at a student/guest party on a Friday night. She hadn't taken any lessons and, in his eyes, didn't need any. She had natural rhythm. He always stated it was love at first dance!

Bill and Lorraine married on April 8th, 1956, in San Antonio, Texas. Bill was honorably discharged from the Air Force on January 26th, 1962. During their early years of marriage, they moved quite a bit living in Cheyenne, Wyoming; Miami, Florida; back to San Antonio and Corpus Christi, Texas, during which time they had four children, one born in each location. They ended up settling in El Paso, Texas.

Bill went back to school earning a master's degree in English and teaching over 30 years first in 8th grade English, then in High School. He was proud of the reality therapy techniques he brought into the classroom and thrilled when an article about him and these techniques made the El Paso Times.

When Bill retired with his wife, they settled in Las Vegas, NV, enjoying what he loved best-dancing with his lifetime partner of 64 years and playing poker. He lost the love of his life on July 10, 2020.

This event brought him to Albuquerque, NM, to live out the remaining years of his life near his daughter. He still enjoyed his passions at the independent living apartment he lived at. He is remembered most at the facility for his sense of humor and love of dancing-still doing his beloved dance steps in pace with his walker.

He adapted well to the green and red chili of NM, which he immensely enjoyed! He always enjoyed traveling and taking cruises with his cherished wife. The remaining years were toned down with some river cruises with his daughter. His last river cruise was with his daughter on the Rhine River in Europe in May 2025, at the age of 91!. He also kept up his hobbies of reading, playing word games, and playing poker. He loved watching his Dallas Cowboys and all kinds of sports, but especially football and basketball. He always had a ready smile with a twinkle in those blue eyes, with a thumbs up saying "I'm ok." There was also on hand a joke to tell you how he was able to remember so many, no one knows! He had a positive attitude, love of life and travel, and the many wonderful memories with his wife and family that he treasured.

After a long illness, Bill passed away as he wished at home around loved ones on January 13, 2026.

Bill is survived by his children, William Plank, Jr., (Denise), Michael Plank, Laurie Flores, (Christopher), Jeffrey Plank, (Laura); grandchildren John Flores, Jessica Flores-Popcak, (Jacob), Justine Flores-Carrion, (Estevan); Rush & Sean Plank; great-grandchildren Morgan Flores-Popcak and Cora Flores.

A rosary will be held at The Shrine of St. Bernadette on March 12th, 2026, at 6:00 pm. A private memorial service will be held the following day.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Cancer Society in Bill's name.