ROBERT LOUIS MARPLE

MARPLE,
ROBERT LOUIS, 82
Ocala - Robert Louis Marple, 82, of Ocala, Florida passed away on October 7, 2012.
Bob was born in Painesville, Ohio on September 30, 1930, son of James David Marple Jr. and Gertrude Lee. Bob was a 1948 graduate of Thomas W. Harvey High School and a 1953 graduate of Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio.
He enlisted in the Army in 1953 and was initially trained as a Combat Engineer. Bob became Airborne Qualified in 1957 and recorded over 127 jumps. He was an early member of the Army Special Forces and had extensive training at the Army Special Warfare School. Bob served many years in Vietnam and Southeast Asia from the late 1950's and was honorably retired in June of 1975 after more than 22 years of service.
Bob's military awards include the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Occupation Medal (GE), National Defense Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal RNVCM with Device, Good Conduct Medal, 4th Award, Master Parachutist Badge, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Laps), Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnamese Parachutist Badge.
He worked for the BDM Corporation as a civilian. Bob enjoyed traveling and cruising. He visited over 54 countries in his travels and was a Diamond level client of Royal Caribbean. He especially enjoyed the many friendships he made over the years.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, James L. Marple (Verna Marple-Callender) and William David Marple (Molly). He is survived by his nephew Richard L. Marple of San Antonio, Texas; his niece Kathleen M. Juniper of Garfield Heights, Ohio; his nephew Ken Marple of Painesville, Ohio; and his niece Carol DeLucia of Geneva, Ohio.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 19, 2012 at 11 a.m. in the TimberRidge Chapel of Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 9695 SW 110th Street, Ocala, FL 34481, with full military honors given by Angela Santos Post #4781 Honor Guard. Private inurnment to follow at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.Hiers-Baxley.com.