On March 30, 2020, Stephen Wesley Plunkett, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend died from complications of heart failure unrelated to coronavirus.

Steve was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas on May 17, 1945. He attended local schools, including Northside High School, where he was elected student body president for two consecutive semesters. He graduated from the University of Arkansas where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He was also a graduate of LSU School of Banking of the South, ABA School of International Banking, and attended the University of Arkansas Law School. His long-standing career began at First Pyramid Life Insurance Company, and went on to include positions at First National Bank, Arab Aluminum Company in Cairo Egypt, where his family lived for two years. After returning to the states, he accepted a position with First American National Bank in North Little Rock, then with Worthen Bank. In 1983, along with his friend David Boerner, he founded the mortgage lending company Plunkett, Boerner, and Associates. It was his great pleasure to work with many clients over the years. The last of these was Pete Maris at Bank of Little Rock, which he considered his second home, and where he served on the Board of Directors. Steve was a talented wood-turner with work in several local galleries.

He was preceded in death by his brother Mark, and parents Carlton and Virginia Thompson Plunkett. His survivors include his wife of 48 years, Diane Ahrens Plunkett, son Brennan (Jen and daughter Kaylee Bratko) of San Francisco, Courtney (Bart Young) and her sons Bishop and Whit Barton of Fayetteville, brothers Sheridan (Peggy) of Springfield, Virginia, and Mike (Randi) of Liberty, Missouri, as well as much-loved in-laws, and nine nieces and nephews.

A graveside interment service will be held along with a celebration of life gathering at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff of Baptist Hospital ICU, as well as numerous friends who have been tremendously supportive and kind throughout this journey.

Contributions may be made to Heifer Project International, or your local food bank. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, ruebelfuneralhome.com <http://ruebelfuneralhome.com/>.

Published April 8, 2020