John L. Maple, Jr., 85, was born June 13, 1931 to the union of John Lee Maple and Stella Maple in Gilliam, Louisiana. John moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1955 and worked with Woodside Construction and Fred Kipp of KLC Inc. John was self-taught to operate any and all construction equipment. Later he started his own construction business, J.J. Construction. He was well known and well respected as one of the top Masonries throughout the city. When it came to pouring and laying concrete, John was a master at his craft and took pride in his work. In 1965, John became a Freemason. He loved to spend time with his family and friends while cooking and grilling. In his free time he enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching sports and was a master gardener; he loved the outdoors. John departed this life on Sunday, February 12, 2017 at St. Luke's Hospital surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by both his parents; Stella and John Maple, Sr.; brother, Willie Maple; and his children, Ray Charles Maple, Carolyn Maple, Royce Denice Maple, Jane Maple, Terry Smith, Larry Smith and Artie Smith. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Andrea Hancock-Maple; children, Jeffery Mathis (Helen), Hank Maple, Joe Maple, Jerry Maple (Carol), John Maple III (Rose), Anthony Maple, Kyle Maple (Dana); Chelise Burrell (Nate), Rhonda Palmer (Dennis), Diane Maple, Brianna Maple; Monique Maple, LaDonna Blake, JoAnn Frazier, Audrey Carter, Tamara Smith, Gary Smith, Paul Smith, Myron Smith, Camellia Gaines, Walter Smith, Denise Coleman; Roda Fielder, Shelby Epps, and Ann Whitehead-Woodard; brother, Eli Abraham (Bernice); special friends and caregivers, Shawnya (Ms. Ann) and Johnny White; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 25, 11:00 a.m. at New Rising Star Baptist Church. Interment Lincoln Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.