Kenneth Maples, 80, was a man of wonder. Born May 31, 1938, to the late Phil and Blanch Maples, he took every jab and uppercut this world threw at him until our Father called him home on Christmas Day.

Kenneth Maples was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. He was a kid with much heart and adventure, which lead him to joining the United States Air Force at an early age. As he was serving his country in the Air Force, he joined the Golden Gloves and became a three time champion. While enjoying his new found love for boxing, he also loved his music! From Johnny Cash to The Isley Brothers, as long as it carried a nice tune and a beat to make ya' move ya' feet, he loved it! In his free time, you could catch him riding his bicycle around Truman Lake or fishing out at Longview Lake. After his service in the US Air Force, Kenneth landed a corrections officer job at the Jackson County Jail where he eventually became a sheriff and provided an amazing 27 years before retiring in 2004.

Kenneth accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Cleveland Avenue Baptist Church. His love for GOD lead him to be a pastor. Even as a pastor you could still catch him enjoying his westerns on the tube, engaging in life talks with loved ones and giving his wisdom and experience on the hardships of what life brings. Kenneth had a radiant smile that could light up a room and sometimes that would be enough to change a person's mood.

Waiting for him at Heavens door is his beloved wife Marilyn Maples; who was his number one fan through all battles of life, and also his loving sisters Veoma "Gaynell" Vaughns (Lawrence), Phyllis Johnson (Melvin), Bobby Maples, and loving brother Carl Jackson. Being the champ he is, his legacy is left to be cherished by his sisters Bettye Davis and Ella Maples, his sons Lonale Maples, Kenneth Maples Jr, Bobby Maples, Kennth A Maples Jr, Kevin Maples, Keith Maples and his daughter Veoma "Renee" Maples. There are 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and also a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services Monday, December 31, 11:00 a.m. at Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Interment Blue Ridge Lawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the chapel. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.