Richard A Plants

Richard Allen Plants peacefully departed from this life on the night of January 10, 2024. Rich was born on August 20th, 1947 to Betty and Neil Plants of Philo, Ohio. Upon high school graduation, Rich elected to join the military and began to see the world. Rich served his country in the Vietnam War as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne and received an honorable discharge from the United States Army in 1968. After arriving home on Friday, the 13th (his lucky number) he relocated to Toledo, and began attending classes at the University of Toledo, majoring in finance. After graduation (the first of his generation!), he was employed at Otto Heinzeroth Mortgage Co. and then the People Savings and Loan. A dapper dresser, handsome and charming, Rich quickly made a name for himself in the financial community and prided himself on obtaining mortgage financing for first time homebuyers. When young couples and families hit roadblocks in purchasing a home, Realtors often would recommend Rich to "get the job done for them". Rich was a master of his trade and opened his own company, Plants Mortgage, in 1986. Throughout the years Rich received numerous awards and served in mortgage industry leadership roles, including president of the Ohio Mortgage Bankers Association. After selling his company, Rich retired to the Tampa Bay area where he enjoyed the many benefits of the Sunshine State and other warm destinations. Blue skies, blue waters, sandy beaches and his favorite cocktail, a Manhattan, in hand, always put a smile on his face. Rich loved to golf. It was his favorite pastime, and he collected golf balls from all the courses he played throughout the United States, as well as abroad. Rich belonged to Innisbrook in Palm Harbor, FL, a much renowned course, where he would entertain family and friends. Speaking of family, Rich had a bevy of beautiful girls; two daughters, Aly Sterling and Annie Szenderski and five granddaughters; Madeline, Amelia, Isabelle, Jillian and Gabrielle. They were the love of his life, and he cherished all the good times spent together. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Neil Plants and brothers Jerry and Phil Plants. He is survived by his older brother James Plants, many nieces and nephews, and his former wife and mother of his children, Janis Kay. Rich's family wishes to thank the dedicated and loving staff of the Ohio Veteran's Home in Sandusky, Ohio, especially Miranda, Oceana and all those selflessly serving on the Secrest Memory Care unit. We are indebted to you. A memorial mass will be held at St. Rose Parish in Perrysburg, Ohio on Tuesday, March 12th at 9:15am, and it will be live streamed for all to view. Donations in memory and celebration of Rich, can be made to the D.O.V.E Fund, a local nonprofit with a mission to rebuild Vietnam www.dovefund.org Or, feel free to make yourself a Manhattan and raise a glass in memory of Rich!

Tributes

Richard A Plants

August 20, 1947 - January 10, 2024