A graduate of Indiana University (B.S.), University of Michigan (M.S.) and Ball State University (Ed. D), he taught in Defiance and Lakewood, Ohio, before joining FWCS in 1964. He served as music teacher at North Side High School, music consultant for FWCS, Assistant Principal at Snider, and Principal of the Education Center. He was named Director of Program Development and Evaluation for FWCS in 1979, a position he held until retiring in 1993.
An innovator throughout his 33-year career in public education, he was a charter member of the Youth Symphony and recipient of the Margaret Ann Keegan Award for contributions to arts education. He served as director and conductor for Ft. Wayne’s All City Orchestra and was president of the Indiana School Music Association.
He had a strong love of and commitment to family. His most enjoyable days were spent at Winona Lake with family and his many close friends. Active in the Ft. Wayne community, he was President of the Downtown Rotary Club and President of the Harold W. McMillen Center for Health Education. He was a volunteer for the FWCS Study Connection and served on the board for Big Brothers Big Sisters. He was a member of Ft. Wayne Quest Club.
He was a Lieutenant in U. S. Air Force from 1956-1959, serving as a pilot in England. Following military service, he spent summers touring with the Artie Shaw Orchestra, playing saxophone and clarinet.
A 33rd degree Mason, he served as Executive Secretary of the Valley of Ft. Wayne and worked to develop the Scottish Rite Learning Center.
Surviving are his wife, Dana Wichern; two sons, Michael (Julie) Platt and Jay (Bobbie) Platt; a daughter, Robin (Doug) Stellhorn; step daughters Angela (Dominick) King McCann and Wendy (Shawn) Wichern Eckelbarger. Also surviving are grandsons David, Ben, Brandon, Blake, Brooks, Blair, and step grandson Maxwell Eckelbarger; granddaughter Brittany (John) Siscel; and great grandson Jude Siscel. Surviving brothers are James (Maryann) Platt and Robert (Sandy) Platt.
Memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, September 8, at Plymouth Congregational Church. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 on Friday, September 7, at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Homes Winchester Rd. Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne, with Masonic Service at 7:30 p.m.
Preferred memorials to Plymouth Congregational Church; Fort Wayne Youth Symphony; or ACRES Land Trust, Inc..
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