USS Ticonderoga - Shipmates:Ken Platt

Shipmates Remembered

Ken Platt - 1922-2002

PLATT, Kenneth H.

    Ken Platt., 80, of Roanoke, passed away Thursday morning, June 6, 2002, in a local hospital. Ken was born in Roanoke, Va. on March 4, 1922, attended public schools here and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1941. He moved to Baltimore and worked at Glenn L. Martin Aircraft before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1943.,

    He served in the Pacific Theater on board the USS Ticonderoga Aircraft Carrier. The ship survived two Kamikaze attacks in 1945 before returning to the United States for repairs, then back to the Pacific at Okinawa. This ship was part of the Pacific Fleet in Tokyo standing by during the surrender of Japan on the USS Missouri.

     His store, Ken Platt's, was a part of downtown Salem for over 30 years and he was active in downtown Salem business activities. Ken was a founder and board member of Salem Bank & Trust, active in the Salem Rotary, active in Temple Emanuel and served as a board member and president.

     Mr. Platt is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley; his son, Marc and daughter-in-law, Elaine; daughter, Laurie, all of Roanoke; his granddaughters, Aimee Russ and husband, Rob of Atlanta, Ga. and Hillary of Roanoke. Kenneth's family wishes to thank Dr. Vikas Chitnavis, Dr. William Fintel, and Dr. David Jones for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Abraham L. Platt Music Fund at Temple Emanuel. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

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