Darlene Platt

On January 28, 2019, Ponca City lost a local natural resource. Darlene Platt had a rich background of talents. The list is long but here are the highlights. She was a PTA Regional Representative, a Golden Corral server, a contributing writer/researcher for the two volume "North Central Oklahoma- Rooted in the Past Growing for the Future" publication and authored the later published history portion titled "towns without houses". She taught computer classes to local genealogists. For 14 years she served as the Operations Assistant of Marland's Grand Home and Hutchins Memorial Auditorium where she scheduled and organized countless events for individuals and groups including weddings, DAR, music recitals, churches and civic activities. She leaves behind three adult children Rebecca Denise Saylor of Moore, Oklahoma, William Shannon Platt of Ponca City and Theron Matthew Platt of Topeka, Kansas.
Darlene's interest in area history centered around Ponca City. Her meticulous attention to the facts and details gained her the reputation as the person who could and would separate truth from legend concerning events and characters. What, where and how were somewhat incidental to the Why in her history.
Preceding her in death were her parents Barbara June Martin and John Robert Martin and her brothers Max Martin and Darryl Martin. She also left behind Keith Barley and their loving relationship of 30 years comforted by their pet Scrappy the dog.
Her cremated remains will be interred at the IOOF Cemetery at Tonkawa, Oklahoma next to her parents and among the resting places of many distant relatives.
Always truthful and sometimes contentious Darlene Platt will be sorely missed and held in precious memory by all who knew and appreciated her unique contribution to the community.
Darlene passed at the age of 71. A memorial celebration will be held at Grace Memorial Chapel on North 14th street Monday, February 4, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Friends, family and all who wish to say their goodbyes are invited.

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