Kevin Leon Thomas Plunkett

Kevin Leon Thomas Plunkett, devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather, loving Son and caring Brother, was taken from us late last Friday night in an automobile accident. He was 43 years old.

Kevin was born in Witchita Falls, Texas on June 5, 1963. He moved to Merlin as a child in the early 1970’s and spent the rest of his life here in his much loved Rogue Valley.

A graduate of North Valley High School and holding an associates degree from Rogue Community College, Kevin was a highly intelligent man with a knack for poetry, philosophy and a wonderfully clever sense of humor. Quick to laugh and eager to make others laugh as well, he was loved by all who knew him.

Kevin worked with the Miller Redwood Lumber Company in Merlin until they closed and then as a supervisor with the Coachmen Manufacturing Company. Later, he worked with Timber Products Company in Grants Pass. He was well liked and respected by all of his co-workers. Serving with great success as the President of the Safety Committee at Timber Products, he strove to maintain safe working conditions for his colleagues. Kevin excelled at everything he set his mind to.

An avid outdoorsman, he loved the mountains of Southern Oregon and took his family camping every chance he could. He loved rafting, swimming and fishing in the Rogue River and the salmon there feared his angling ability greatly.

Kevin loved all sports. An excellent Disc Golfer, he could often be seen playing on the courses around the Rogue Valley but the Indian Mary Park course was his favorite and he mastered it completely. He was a great dirt bike rider who enjoyed the trails above Quartz Creek and loved to ride his quad at the dunes on the Oregon coast.

A huge fan of the NFL, Kevin watched every football game he could an always rooted for his favorite team, the Oakland Raiders. He managed his own fantasy football team, “the Southpark Cows:, with great skill and won many games with them.

As the past Director of the Merlin Community Park and member of the Josephine County Historical Society, Kevin contributed greatly to the community that he loved so much.

He was a good gardener and kept his house in a park like setting. Kevin loved cooking and his outdoor BBQ’s and parties are remembered by all who were lucky enough to attend one. His recipe’s for “beer can chicken” and “camper’s delight” are legendary.

A dedicated family man, he was happily married to his beloved, the former Luella Mae White for 25 years and together they raised two beautiful children, Son Kevin Jr. and Daughter Kristina. He was also blessed with a grandson Jayden.

As well as his wife, children and grandson, Kevin is survived by his Mother, Marilyn Luttrell of Merlin, and his Father Keith Plunkett of Arizona, Older Brother Keith Plunkett Jr. of Washington State, Nephew Kristofer and Niece Theresa.

The world is a lesser place with his passing. God rest his gentle soul.

A memorial service will be held at the Merlin Community Baptist Church on Merlin-Galice Road on Thursday, the 5th of April at 4:00pm with a reception to be held at the Merlin Community Park on Merlin-Galice Road immediately afterward. He will be interred at a later date in a private ceremony at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens on Upper River Road.