Robert Maples

MAPLES, CMDR ROBERT E. - CMDR Robert E. Maples, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, Dec 4th, 2018 at his home in Roswell, NM.

A memorial service will be held at New Mexico Military Institute Chapel on Saturday, Dec 15th, 2018 at 10:30am. Inurnment will immediately follow at the New Mexico Military Institute Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of his name to the Salvation Army, Roswell, NM or Gideon's International.

On Dec 16th, 1936 Robert was born to Dr. Lewis E. Maples and Mildred Couch Maples in Kansas City, MO. Ordained on May 20th, 1956, he became the fourth generation of ministers in the Houser/Maples family. He served churches in Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio, Washington, and New Mexico over a ministerial calling spanning 62 years. He chose to serve his country by enlisting in the US Army in 1959 and served in Korea. After being discharged in 1962 he furthered his education, completing a Bachelors degree at Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee OK; Bachelors of Divinity and Masters of Religious Education degrees from Southwestern Seminary, Ft Worth, TX and a Masters of Education, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY.

In 1967, he received a commission in the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam, Guam and Okinawa as a Chaplain. After pastoring a church in Ohio, he resumed his military career in 1980, as a Chaplain in the US Navy, serving at Paris Island, SC, Camp Pendleton, CA, and on the USS Constellation, Bremerton, WA. He retired as a Chaplain in the U.S. Navy, at the rank of Commander in August, 1987. After retirement, he served as Chaplain to the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM until 1998.

Robert ministered and served his community in many capacities including President, New Mexico Alumni Assoc for Southwestern Baptist Seminary; Member, Board of Directors, Oklahoma Baptist University Alumni Association; Co-hosted weekly a television program, Journey Through the Bible; Member, Board of Directors, American Cancer Society; Chairman, Salvation Army Board of Advisors, Roswell, NM; weekly columnist, Artesia Daily Press; Member, New Mexico Singing Churchman; Vice President, Pecos Valley Ministerial Alliance; Past President, Roswell Rotary Club; Member, Joy Centers of Chaves County Board of Directors; Member, Roswell Symphony Orchestra; New Mexico State Adult Parole Board; Past President, Roswell Ministers' Association; Counselor, Roswell City Council 1992-1999; Instructor, Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell; Chaplain, Boy Scouts of America.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Guyla Cozort Maples, Children: Paul Maples(Maria), Roswell NM; Nancy Cordova (Dennis) and Martha Davis (Matthew) both of Columbia, SC; Jeremy Compton (Sarah) Round Rock, TX; Matthew Compton, Denver CO; Elizabeth Weeaks (Justin), Roswell NM; Sisters: Margaret Jones (Myron) Arlington, TX; Barbara Maples, Atlanta, GA; Sarita Maples, Ft Worth, TX; former spouse, Mary Cole Maples, and 14 grandchildren.

Robert's passion for his call to the ministry continued until his death. He was a prolific writer and speaker, loving nothing more than sharing the Word of God to anyone who would listen.

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