Gary Alan Mapes

Gary Alan Mapes of Battle Creek, MI,age 35, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 13, 2015. Gary, the son of Ernest Oliver and Myrna E. (Wallace) Coward, was born in Battle Creek, MI on February 29, 1980 and was a lifetime resident of Battle Creek. He had been a cook at various diners in the area; enjoyed drawing and writing; was an avid supporter of The University of Michigan athletics and had a passion for singing on Karaoke night at the local bars. Surviving are his three daughters, Qadence Pelfrey-Mapes, Heaven Wood and Lily Wood, all of Battle Creek; two sons, Corey Wright of Kalamazoo, MI and Brayden Mapes of Battle Creek; his mother and step-father, Myrna (Robert "Bob") Coward of Battle Creek; his sister, Patricia M. "Trisha" (Patrick) Dellinger of Battle Creek; a brother, Robert A. Mapes Jr. of Battle Creek; his uncle, Michael H. (Briggite) Wallace of Battle Creek and several nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his dad, Ernest "Bama." The Funeral Service to celebrate Gary's life will be held on Monday, October 19th at 3:00 p.m. at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek, with the Rev. Robert G. Muirhead, Pastor of Fort Custer Christian Assembly, officiating. Gary's family will greet friends on Sunday, October 18th from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gary's honor may be directed to the Haven of Rest, P.O. Box 52, Battle Creek, MI 49016.