Howard Josh Maples

Howard J. Maples, age 83, passed away Sunday, July 2, 2017. He was born in Crane, Missouri and moved Kansas City, Missouri in 1960. He spent most of his career as a Manager of Manufacturing in the aerospace and defense industry. After his retirement, he returned to southern Missouri and made Nixa his home. He was active in church throughout his life becoming a Deacon at the Blue Valley Baptist Church in Olathe, Kansas, as well as North Nixa Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Merlene; two children, Donna Eft of Frisco, Texas, and Ted Maples of Olathe, Kansas; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; two brothers and two sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rillis and Carrie Maples, and an infant brother. A memorial service will be 10:00 AM Friday, July 7, in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, with Brother Jerry Francisco officiating. Burial will follow in Crane Community Cemetery.