David R. Plas, 83, of Elyria passed away peacefully at home after a short illness on Wednesday January 28, 2015. A graduate of Elyria High School, he served during the Korean Conflict from 1950 until 1954 in the United States Navy as a Flight Navigator. Upon his discharge, he returned to Elyria where he rejoined his cousins in Plas Construction. In 1961, he and his wife moved to California where he graduated, in December 1964, from Northrup University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked at Esco Mfg. in Portland, OR., then in 1967 joined Pierce-Pacific Mfg. also in Portland. As Chief Engineer, he designed heavy equipment including the Tow Tractor for the then newly-designed Boeing 747. He spent the next several years at Clark Equipment in Lima, OH. Designing some of the largest cranes in the world, before returning to Elyria. As a man who had no limits, he built houses, had a large apple orchard, raised livestock and farmed before starting ABC Trucking in Elyria. This company built, repaired and moved heavy industrial machinery in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Elyria. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Katherine (nee- McGuire) Plas. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Patricia (nee-Gedridge); son, Timothy (Joyce) Plas of Elyria; daughter, Mary Katherine Plas and granddaughter, TriciaRose Plas both of Olympia, WA.; A Christian Memorial Mass will be Celebrated on Friday April 10, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Church 611 Lake Ave., Elyria. The Rev. Fr. Albert Veigas will be the Celebrant. Burial will be at the Ohio Western Reserve Nation Cemetery in Rittman. In liue of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the St. Agnes Building Fund. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elyria. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com Service: 11:00 Friday April 10, 2015 St. Agnes Catholic Church 611 Lake Ave. Elyria, OH.