John Elmer Plett was a man of God and retired police officer. The Lord called him home on Sunday morning, January 10, 2021, at Turlock
Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
John was born and raised in Turlock, CA. He attended Johnson Joint School, graduated from Turlock High School in 1968, and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree at California State University, Fresno. John moved to Covina, CA, where he became a police officer for the California Highway Patrol in East L.A. While in Covina, John met and married the love of his life, Kathryn Loene Bethany in 1977. After six years as a CHP officer, he moved back home to Denair and started a business with his brother Jerry doing custom farming. John then finished his career as a police officer for 16 more years at California State University, Stanislaus. He retired at the rank of Sergeant in 2007. He spent his retirement years enjoying his third career as a substitute teacher and loved every minute of it!
John grew up in the Evangelical Free Church of Turlock, and in later years attended Gateway Community Church of Denair. He was the Denair Sports Booster President, a board member of the Stanislaus County Police Officers Association and the Denair Unified School District.
John never met a stranger who wasn’t a friend, and led his family and his life following Christ. If you knew John, you knew he smiled with is eyes, gave the best bear hugs and had a firm handshake. He was proud of his girls, could fix anything, loved to waterski and help anyone in need. We miss him!!
John was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Anna Plett, as well as his brother Jerry Plett. He is survived by his wife Kathy Plett, his sisters Judy Chambers, Jane Miller, Verna Riopel, and Joy Ingram, his children Kara (Brian) Binkley, Ashley (Jeremy) Hall, Lindsey Plett, Cassie Plett, and his 6 grandchildren.
A viewing will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday, January 18, 2021, at Turlock Funeral, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at Gateway Community Church, 3440 Lester Rd., Denair.
Please make donations in his honor to Gateway Community Church for ministries.