Harold Edward Maples

Harold Edward Maples, 83 of Springfield formerly of Miller passed away Dec. 13, 2020 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his wife of 59 years and family at his bedside. He was born July 7, 1937 in Stone County the son of the late Charles Edward and Nica (Graves) Maples.
He was a 1955 graduate of Nixa High School. He was saved at an early age in his family’s tomato patch. He was a lifelong member of the Round Grove Baptist Church where he served as the song leader in his early years. He also served as fellowship director for several years and past president of the cemetery committee.
He married, Glenda Bowles on Aug. 25, 1961. To this union they had three children, Jerry Randall (Randy), Kenneth Warren (Kenny) and Lori Ann (Precious).
Maples started driving a truck while working with Kitty Clover Potato Chips in the 1960’s. As of 1969, he started driving for Texas Coffin Company out of Waco, Texas.   He then went to work for Roadway Truck Company in 1984. While with Roadway, as a change of operation to Lincoln, Neb. in 1992, where he started driving doubles and triples, with a change of operation he moved to St. Louis in 1994 where he received the Presidential Safety Citation award with Roadway Express for outstanding individual Million Miler. He retired from Roadway Express in 2002, making his way back to his home in Miller. In 2007 Harold and Glenda moved to Springfield.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years; sons, Randy Maples of Springfield, Kenny Terresa Maples of Bois D’arc and his daughter Lori of Springfield. Four grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Roger (Debra) Bowles, several nieces and nephews and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Kyle and Mildred Bowles; sister in law, Patricia (Dolan) Underhill; his brothers and their spouses Melvin, Ishmael, Bob (W.R), Raymond, Ralph and Bill; his sisters, Beverly Melton, Beatrice Shaddox, LouRene Grubaugh and Gladys Wolfe. He was also preceded in death by his best friend, Chesterfield, his dog.
Visitation was held Dec. 17, 2020 at Greenlawn East Funeral Home, Springfield. Graveside services were held Dec. 18, 2020 at Round Grove Cemetery, Miller. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice or to the Round Grove Cemetery in c/o Greenlawn East Funeral Home.