Dennis Ray Maples' Obituary
In memory of a life so beautifully lived, Dennis Ray Maples, 74, a resident of Columbia, Mo, and Winter Garden, FL, entered Heavens gates on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at the family's home in Columbia, Mo. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Center Point Church in Columbia.
Dennis was born on March 23, 1948, in a little house in Logan, Missouri to Arnold P. and Neoma Marie (McCullah) Maples. His early education was in Kingsdown, Ks. where he played the drums in the school band. His family moved to Hutchinson, Ks. in1959, where he graduated from high school in 1966.
In his early years he delivered newspapers for the Hutchinson News. In high school he was awarded the honor of Eagle Scout. He was also hired, as a hospital orderly and it was there, that he began to think about a career in medicine.
After high school he attended one year at Hutchinson Community Junior College and joined the United States Marine Corp. in 1968. At Boot Camp he earned the Best Marksman award and scored second highest on his final endurance test. He served honorably for 2 years in Vietnam and won several badges of honor including, "The good conduct Medal", "Vietnam Service Medal", "Rifle Sharp Shooter Badge", "Vietnam Campaign Medal", and the "National Defense Service Medal." After returning home in 1969 he went into the Marine Corp. Reserves and later transferred to the Army Reserves for an additional 6 years.
In 1969 he returned home to Trenton, Missouri and met the love of his life, Patty McReynolds, They married on August 23,1970, it was love at first site and they were married for 52 years. Dennis decided to become a Pharmacist so together Dennis and Patty began a journey across the Midwest from Missouri, Kansas, and finally Oklahoma where he received his degree in Pharmacy at the University of Oklahoma in 1976. He began his Pharmacy career in Oklahoma and later moved to Columbia, Mo. He had a professional career over 46 years as a Registered Pharmacist.
Dennis and Patty welcomed their first born, Christopher Ryan Maples on August 10, 1982. Seven years later they welcomed their second child, Jennifer LeAnne Maples on June 1,1989 and raised their family in Columbia, Mo. They devoted much of their time encouraging Christopher and Jennifer in dancing, sports, several other activities and eventually saw opportunities for both their children at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL where they currently reside today. He was a dance dad, a baseball coach, a Boy Scout Master and their biggest fan. Dennis was passionate about the game of golf and enjoyed the Florida climate, where he was most at peace.
Dennis was a very hard worker and a dedicated Pharmacist, sometimes putting in 70 hours a week filling in when other pharmacists couldn't be there. His hard work earned his pharmacists top ranking in the Midwest. He touched the lives of everyone he met with his welcoming smile. His positive attitude and his love for Jesus was clearly evident in everything he did. Above all else, he loved and cherished his family and always took great care of them.
Survivors include his wife Patty, a son Christopher and daughter Jennifer both of Winter Garden, FL. Two siblings, Danny and his wife Brenda Maples of Olathe Ks. and sister Deyann and her husband Bob Corbin of Springdale, Ak., and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
He was preceded in death by both his parents Arnold and Neoma Maples, his in-laws, Gene and Cleora McReynolds and his Grandparents.
Dennis touched the lives of everyone he met. His infectious smile would light up a room. He truly lived the "I'm third" life. God first, others second, himself third. He helped so many people through out his life. He loved his wife and children and cherished their time together. He was a wonderful, kind, gentle, man who will be sadly missed by everyone who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to be made to St.Judes Children's Hospital, in memory of Dennis Maples.
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