Past Grand Prytanis Robert D. Planck Enters Chapter Eternal

Per Black Book, Chapter XXII, Sec. 2, Second: Death of a Grand Officer. Upon the death of any of the Grand Officers, or of a Past Grand Prytanis, the members of all collegiate chapters shall wear the black ribbon under their badges for a period of 14 days.

Chapter XXII, Sec. 2, Ninth (5): The Fraternity flag shall be displayed alone at half-mast on:
(b) On the death of a Past Grand Prytanis, or Grand Officer.

Note: We recommend 1/4" black ribbon cut into 3.5" strips. Ribbon can be purchased at stores such as Walmart and hobby & craft stores.

It is with great sadness that the Offices of the Grand Chapter announces the passing of Past Grand Prytanis Robert D. Planck. Frater Planck entered the chapter eternal on December 22, 2022.

In a declaration regarding Frater Planck’s passing, Venerable Grand Prytanis Ryan Vescio, noted, "By the authority vested in me as Grand Prytanis by the Black Book, I declare Tau Kappa Epsilon in a period of mourning in 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 be displayed alone at half-mast during the same period."

Additionally, Frater Vescio shared, “Bob Planck cared deeply for his wife Sharron, his family, his university, and Tau Kappa Epsilon. For over 20 years I was honored to have the opportunity to work with Frater Planck on various fraternal matters. Regularly returning to our Declaration of Principles, Frater Planck demonstrated love, charity, and esteem in all parts of his life. Along with a sorrowful TKE Nation, I pray for peace for Sharron and the entire Planck family.”

Frater Planck graduated from University of Houston in 1971. While at UH, he initiated into the Epsilon-Omicron chapter of TKE. During his collegiate years, he served in multiple roles including Recruitment Chairman, Grammateus, Epiprytanis, and Prytanis.

"I see great things on the horizon for Tau Kappa Epsilon. I’m proud to have been able to travel with you on our journey toward unparalleled success as we continue to improve on the legacy of our Founders, the hard work and dedication of our alumni and the unmatched energy of our collegiate Fraters."
- Past Grand Prytanis Robert D. Planck
State of the Fraternity Address
THE TEKE Summer 2003

Frater Planck was an avid volunteer for the University of Houston and the Fraternity. He served on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Conrad N. Hilton (Alpha-Omicron, New Mexico State) College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, the Hilton College Club for Distinguished Alumni, and a member of the host committee for the 50th anniversary of Conrad N. Hilton College.

In the Fraternity, Frater Planck was a Past Grand Prytanis, Order of the Golden Eagle and a Life Loyal Teke. He served as two terms as Grand Crysophylos (1993-1995, 1997-1999), Grand Epiprytanis (1999-2001) and Grand Prytanis (2001-2003). Most recently, he served as member of the TKE Foundation Board of Directors and the Chairman of the Foundation Business Council.

TKE Foundation Chairman Jim Crockard shared “The world lost a great man and Teke in Frater Planck. Personally, I lost a mentor and confidant who was vital in our journey to galvanize the bond between the TKE Foundation and the Fraternity. Frater Bob was visionary in creating the Life Loyal TKE program in 2003, and has been instrumental in working alongside PGP Bob Barr to build the Business Council and Ambassador groups of the TKE Foundation to further our ability to train more leaders. Frater Planck has left TKE stronger than he found it - a legacy we all wish to fulfill.”

Frater Planck loved University of Houston and the Epsilon-Omicron chapter. He volunteered from 1978 until his passing in multiple roles for the chapter’s Board of Advisors and Alumni Association.

Professionally, Frater Planck spent his career in the food service industry. Among his career highlights, he was the President/CEO and Chairman of Independent Marketing Alliance, Vice President of Marketing for Sysco Corp, the Senior Vice President of AmeriServe, and was a Founding Director and Senior Officer for John Lewis Foodservice, the first national food distribution company in Australia.

Planck was also a captain in the U.S. Army where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, the Expert Marksman Medal, and numerous citations for outstanding contributions.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the University of Houston Robert Planck Naming Fund.