Tom Maples

(From Parker Mortuary)

Tom O. Maples, age 75, Joplin, passed away on Monday, May 30, 2016 at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Charles, Missouri after a chronic illness.

Tom was born February 21, 1941 in Alba, Missouri, son of the late William Jefferson Maples and Juanita Emily Davis Maples. He graduated from Alba High School, and worked for Grandpa's for several years working up to manager prior to their closing. While there he also worked with Jasper County Sheriff's Department, and was deputized to help with shoplifting cases. He graduated from Missouri Southern State University Police Academy, and began working for Carl Junction Police Department. He then began working with Jasper County Sheriff's Department where he worked for 17 years, retiring in good standing in 2001. During his time with them he headed up the Jasper County Drug Task Force, and became commissioned through the FBI, the ATF, US Marshall Office, and U.S. Attorney's Office. He had recently moved to the St. Louis area to be near his daughter.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Mickey Maples, brother, Billy Maples, Jr., sisters, Shirley Ann Jiles and Patricia Busby, and his special friend, Sandi Phillips.

Survivors include his daughter, Krista Gurley and husband Steve of St. Charles, Missouri; son, Jamie Maples of St. Louis, Missouri, brothers, John Maples and wife Glendora of Carterville, Missouri, Don Maples and wife Wanda of Alba, James Maples and wife Shirley of Carthage, Carl Maples and wife Carol of Joplin, Gene Maples and wife Linda of Mesa, Arizona; sister, Betty Priester of Alba and Maxine Campbell of Joplin; grandchildren, Jacqueline Gurley and Jacob Gurley.

Funeral service will be Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Alba Christian Church with Gene Maples officiating. Interment will follow in Carl Junction Cemetery with Pierrie McChaud, Roy Maples, Eric Stephenson, Travis Gary, Randy Miller, and Harley Harry serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Alba Christian Church on Friday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Backstoppers Inc.