Russell H. Maple

Russell H. Maple, 96, of Hannibal, MO passed away at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 10, 2019, at Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Palmyra, MO.

Funeral services celebrating Russell’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 17, 2019, at the First Christian Church in Hannibal.  Pastor Steve Barker will officiate. 

Burial with full military honors provided by the Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post #55 will be in the Grand View Burial Park.

Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service Thursday at the First Christian Church.

The family is being served by the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel of Hannibal.

Russell was born on May 30, 1922, in Palmyra, MO the son of George and Bessie (Manker) Maple.  He was united in marriage to Virginia Alberta Mae “Ginny” Powell on February 2, 1946, in Hannibal, MO.  She preceded him in death on March 28, 2013.

Survivors include a daughter, Terri Jo Maple of Hannibal, MO; granddaughter, Veronica Maple Dryden of Hannibal, MO; daughter-in-law, Naomi Crane Maple of Hannibal, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Maple was preceded in death by a son, Russell M. Maple, his brothers, Richard, Harold, William and Kenneth Maple, and sisters, Bessie Costello, Georgia Lehenbauer, Dorothy Reed and Mary Jo Powell.

Russell worked for the Corp of Engineers as Assistant Lock Master at the Lock and Dam No. 22 in Saverton, MO before his retirement.

Mr. Maple attended Hannibal High School and on November 13, 2001, he received his GED due to his service to his country.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on September 18, 1940, serving in the South Pacific during WWII for three years and was honorably discharged on October 8, 1945, reaching the rank of Sergeant.  On June 13, 1947, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve and was called to active duty on September 5, 1950.  He was aboard the U.S. Mountrail (APA 213) for nine months in Japan-Korea area during the Korean Conflict before returning to the U.S.A. and was honorably discharged in Seattle, WA on March 6, 1952, as a 3rd class Machinist’s Mate.  Russell’s total Military service was five years 23 days in the Army and five years in U.S.N.R.

In 1952, Mr. Maple joined the Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post #55 and continued to be an honorable member until the date of his passing.  Russell had served as Sergeant at Arms, Chaplin, 2nd Vice Commander, 1st Vice Commander, District Sergeant at Arms and District Adjutant before serving as the Commander of the American Legion Post #55.  During his active years with the post, Russell served on the Color and Honor Guard, committees, as well as every function along with his wife the Post has been involved with the last sixty plus years.  On April 13, 2010, Mr. Maple was selected to go on mission # 1 with the Great River Honor Flight.  This was a cherished moment he took to his heart.

Away from the American Legion, Russell was also a member of the VFW Post 2446 of Hannibal and was very active in the RSVP with his wife.  When not volunteering, Russell enjoyed camping and square dancing with his wife, fishing, and was an avid reader.  When the St. Louis Cardinals were playing, Russell always made time to watch the game.

Mr. Maple was a member of the First Christian Church of Hannibal and had served on various committees and capacities throughout the church.

Pallbearers will be the Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post #55 Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post #55, in care of the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

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