John M. Platt

Captain John M. Platt passed away peacefully in Houston, TX on September 14, 2012 at the age of 90. He was born the fourth of nine children to John M. and Elsie (Miller) Platt in Hopewell, VA on January 28, 1922. Preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marjorie, Emily, Sylvia and Sydney; brother, Henry. John is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Gilda; sons, Chris (Ira) and Greg (Jeri); grandchildren Kevin (Kelly) and Carolyn; sister, Elsie; brothers, Robert and William.

John attended Wake Forest College and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. As a cadet he saw service during World War II in the Mediterranean, Sicily, North Africa, Gibraltar, France and Italy. He graduated from Kings Point in 1944 and joined the Mississippi Shipping Co. (later known as Delta Lines) in 1945 as a 3rd Officer and served in all deck department capacities during the Korean and Vietnam wars and rose to the rank of Captain. John participated in the first Marine Corps evacuation from Hungnay, Korea. He was Master of the “S/S Del Sud”, the first U.S. floating trade exhibit vessel and first vessel to transit Mississippi River– Gulf Outlet channel. He came ashore in 1966 and served in all shoreside capacities from Assistant Port Captain to Vice President in the west Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans, LA, Mobile, AL and Houston, TX. He retired from Delta Lines in 1983.

There will be a memorial visitation on Saturday, October 6 at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home from 10:30 – 12:30. It was John's wish to be cremated and a private inurnment was held. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.