Ernest H. Plater, 68, Hughesville

Ernest H. “J.R.” Plater, 68, of Hughesville died July 4, 2012, at the Community Living Center at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, D.C.

Born Sept. 21, 1943, he was the son of the late Ernest Spencer Plater and the late Mary Lola Plater.

He had four brothers and five sisters, and grew up in Mechanicsville. After marrying in 1966, he raised his family in Hughesville and lived there until his death.

He served two years in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Vietnam as an aircraft mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1968. For more than 20 years, he worked at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

He enjoyed the outdoors, no matter the season. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, rebuilding lawn tractors, gardening and caring for animals. He looked forward to annual barbecues with family and friends, and always brought the crabs. He enjoyed watching his favorite old TV shows, like “Sanford and Son” and “Seinfeld.” He loved cheering for the Washington Redskins and the Georgetown Hoyas. He was very proud of and enjoyed boasting about his eight grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph Plater, Wilbur Plater and Marvin Plater.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Plater; children, Felicia Lester, Glen Plater, Chris Plater and Brian Plater; brother, Preston Plater; sisters, Alphea Butler, Gloria Plater, Jomaine Stone, Lorraine Briscoe and Josephine Dallas; eight grandchildren; and many other relatives.

Visitation will be 10-11:15 a.m. with Mass at 11:30 a.m. July 13 at Immaculate Conception Church, Mechanicsville. Burial will take place at 2 p.m. at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham.

Arrangements are being handled by Adams Funeral Home, Aquasco.