Robert J. Maple

Robert J. Maple, 70, Kansas City, MO, passed away Sunday, December 8, 2002, at his home surrounded by the love and support of his family, after a courageous battle against multiple myeloma. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 11, at Coronation of Our Lady Church, 13000 Bennington, Grandview, MO. Burial in Mt. Moriah South Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 10, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Chapel, I-435 at Holmes Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bishop Sullivan Center or Coronation of Our Lady Food Pantry. Mr. Maple was born November 2, 1932, in St. Joseph, MO, and was a member of Coronation of Our Lady Church for 35 years. After attending St. Mary's Grade School, Bob graduated from Christian Brothers High School in St. Joseph, MO. He married his childhood sweetheart, Ruth Elaine Johnson. After serving in the Air Force for eight years, they moved to Kansas City where Bob was the store manager for G.E.M. Store followed by management of the Medco Store. He later became a manufacturers representative of women's apparel. He ended his career working part-time for Owen Lumber Company, and began his career at age 16, where he helped build Cool Crest Miniature Golf Course in Independence, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Mary Maple, sister, Madeline Rundle, and his brother, Charles Maple. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Ruth, the love of his life, daughters, Debbie Parker and husband Kim, Sheri Gerstner, Tricia Tayrien and husband Chris, sons, Rusty Maple and wife Kim, Rob Maple and wife Cathy, grandchildren, Adam, Morgan, Liz, Kelly, David, Jesse, Max, Chad, Jack, Whitney, Cody, Tylor, Tanner, and Tatum, greatgrandchildren, Parker and Kelton, and his sisters, Maxine Hubbell, Dolores Robinson and Elizabeth Brown. Bob was remarkably kind and giving to all who knew or met him. We will miss him greatly even as we celebrate his wonderful life and personality. (Arrangements: Mt. Moriah & Freeman Chapel, 816-942-2004)