Robert Planck Death, Obituary – The Past Grand Prytanis Robert D. Planck passed away, as the Offices of the Grand Chapter regretfully inform you. Frater Planck entered the chapter eternal on December 22, 2022. Venerable Grand Prytanis Ryan Vescio said the following after Frater Planck passed away: “By virtue of the authority granted to me as Grand Prytanis by the Black Book, I hereby declare Tau Kappa Epsilon to be in a period of mourning, during which collegiate members shall wear a black ribbon under their badges for a period of 14 days, beginning January 2, 2023 through January 16, 2023.
The Fraternity flag shall also be flown at half-staff all by itself throughout this time.” Additionally, to Frater Vescio “Bob Planck adored his wife Sharron, his family, his friends, Tau Kappa Epsilon, and his school. I had the honor of working with Frater Planck for more than 20 years on a variety of fraternal topics. Frater Planck always came back to our Declaration of Principles and lived a life of love, kindness, and regard. Along with the heartbroken TKE Nation, I pray for Sharron’s health and the health of the entire Planck family. Frater Planck graduated from the University of Houston in 1971.
While a student at UH, he was initiated into the TKE Epsilon-Omicron chapter. During his stay in college, he held a number of posts, including Recruitment Chairman, Grammateus, Epiprytanis, and Prytanis. Frater Planck served the fraternity as a Past Grand Prytanis, Order of the Golden Eagle, and Life Loyal Teke. He served in each of the following capacities for two terms: Grand Epiprytanis (1999–2001), Grand Prytanis (1999–2001), and Grand Crysophylos (2001-2003). He most recently served as the TKE Foundation Board of Directors member and chairman of the Foundation Business Council.
The TKE Foundation’s chairman, Jim Crockard, commented “The world lost Teke and a magnificent man in Frater Planck. In our effort to deepen the bond between the TKE Foundation and the Fraternity, I personally experienced the loss of a mentor and confidant who was vital. Frater Bob had the idea to start the Life Loyal TKE program in 2003. Since then, he has worked with PGP Bob Barr to expand the Business Council and Ambassador groups at the TKE Foundation, strengthening our ability to produce new leaders. By leaving TKE stronger than he did, we all hope to carry on the legacy that Frater Planck started.