Ronald David Platero

Ronald David Platero, age 58, of Garner, NC passed from this life the evening of August 29, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born on August 02, 1965, at Navajo Brethren in Christ Mission in Otis, NM to the late Marie E. Martin Platero and Rodger L. Platero Sr.

Ron was born of Native American descent of the Navajo Tribe, born into the Hooghan łání (Many Hogan) and born for the Ma'ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Way) Clanship relation. Maternal grandparents are Esenapa and Robert Martin Sr. of Hogback, NM and paternal grandparents Evelyn and Roy Platero of Carson, NM.

He was preceded in death by his mother Marie, his father Rodger, his brothers Kendrick Mahle, Duane Platero, Rafael Platero, sisters Evangeline Platero, and Evalina Martinez.

Survived by his wife Melissa, his sons Christopher and Bryan, and his daughter Ashley Platero of Garner, NC, brothers Marvin Platero and Rodger Platero Jr., and sister Eulalia White.

Ron graduated from Bloomfield High School in Bloomfield, NM in 1984. The highlight of his high school years was playing football for the Bloomfield Bobcats. Upon graduating from high school he traveled to Montana to attain a trade in his craftsmanship. Once completed with his trade school, his desire was to push himself further so he enlisted in the United States Army.

Ron served in the US Army 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC from 1987 - 1991. Then he joined the North Carolina National Guard from 1992 - 1996, After that, he married his wife Melissa, and they had their three children, Christopher, Ashley, and Bryan.

Ron's career was in engineering, building and fixing stuff. He worked for Tapco Crane & Rigging in Durham, NC for many years and then Guy M. Turner, Inc. He loved going to work. He loved using his hands to solve problems. If something was broken, he had an innate desire to get his hands on it to fix it. If something needed to be built, he built it.

He was a loving husband and father who will be missed dearly. He was a great teacher and taught us so much about life, nature, history, exploring historical sites, learning about Navajo culture, and fixing stuff.

We love you Ron!

RIP SPC Ronald D. Platero

782nd Maintenance Battalion US Army

You will be missed!!