William "Mike" Michael Laplante

William Michael LaPlante, better known as Mike, passed away at his residence in Mexico Beach, Florida on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at the age of 75. He was born in Iowa on July 29, 1947 to the late Leo and Ola LaPlante. Mike was a Vietnam Veteran who served as an infantryman, conducting reconnaissance missions under Echo Troop, 5-7 Squadron, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) from June of 1968 to March of 1969. During his service, Mike earned the Air Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Distinguished Service Medal. Mike was honorably discharged from service in January of 1974. He worked for the State of Florida as a juvenile probation officer for over twenty-five years before retiring. He was an avid outdoorsman that absolutely loved hunting and fishing. Mike will be remembered as a loving husband, father, pop pop and the “centerpiece” of the family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of twenty-seven years, Laura Marie LaPlante of Mexico Beach, Florida; three children, Michael LaPlante, Cailyn LaPlante, both of Tampa, Florida, and Christina Forrester (Drew) of Germany; four siblings, Frank LaPlante (Nancy) of Pennsylvania, Richard LaPlante (Carolyn) of South Dakota, Linda LaPlante and her cat, “Booger” of Mexico Beach, Florida, Steve LaPlante (Liz) of Pennsylvania and one grandchild, Bode LaPlante.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Veterans Memorial Park at Beacon Hill (8750 Hwy 98, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456) on Friday, December 2, 2022 at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time with military honors. Everyone is invited to bring a covered dish for a time of fellowship following the service. Please dress causal for the service.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, FL.