Obituary of Perry Maple

Perry Dallas Maple STERLING �" Surrounded by his loving family, Perry Dallas Maple, 81, of Sterling, died Wednesday March 18, 2009 after being diagnosed last November with lung cancer. He faced his death as he lived his life, with concern for those he loved rather than himself. Until just recently, he continued getting out for lunch to visit, as he always enjoyed being around people. Perry never met a stranger, and he found the good in everyone. Perry was born on September 12, 1927, in the small southern Illinois town of Galatia, to Charles and Myrtle Malone Maple. He grew up in a time and place where his youth was full of mischief and adventure. He saved many of those stories until his children were grown, just in case they might try some of the things he had done. He graduated, in 1945, from Galatia High School, where he met his life-long love, Mary Lou Perdue. They were married in the Baptist parsonage in Galatia on August 6, 1946, and celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary last year with a trip to Branson, Missouri. Perry was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving two years in duty to his country. He was drafted and stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky in 1945, and later spent time at Camp Grant, Fort Sheridan, and Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Perry and Mary Lou set a wonderful example of a loving, Christian marriage to their children, Mike (Gayle) Maple of Kaneville, Vicki (Jim) Olson of Sterling and Marta Saville of Dixon. They have been blessed with grandchildren Kyle Maple, Korey Maple, Ben (Jenny) Olson, Jami (Dan) Olson-Huebschmann, Karissa (Steve) Saville, Ashley (Don) Saville, Dustin Saville and Travis Saville; and great-grandchildren Sophia Olson and Nicholas Olson. Perry always said if he had known how much fun grandchildren were, he would have had them first. They were a wonderful joy to him, as he was to them. Playing in the park, a game of backyard baseball, or fishing at Kentucky Lake, he was never too busy, too tired or too old to have fun with them. Perry worked in maintenance and custodial work at Sterling High School for 34 years, a job he took great pleasure and pride in. He loved being around the students and never forgot a face or name. The students and staff were like a second family to Perry. One of his proudest moments was when the S.H.S. Class of 1963 dedicated their yearbook to him. He attended their reunions many times over the years as a special guest and always referred to them as "my class". Another great honor for Perry was riding as the Grand Marshall of the 1985 SHS homecoming parade with his granddaughters Karissa and Jami. Every student and staff member of SHS held a special place in his heart. From the outpouring of cards and letters he received during his illness, it was obvious he holds a special place in their hearts as well. After retirement, Perry enjoyed traveling, visiting with friends over lunch, and spending time with his family. Perry was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. In typical Perry Maple fashion, he was a good Samaritan while in St. Louis attending baseball games in August of 2006. He helped a family, and in return, they offered him playoff tickets. This allowed him to be at Busch Stadium, with his son Mike, to see his beloved Cardinals win the 2006 World Series. Perry had a strong and wonderful faith which was evident in the way he lived his life and how he treated people. He was a member of the Galatia Missionary Baptist Church, Como Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Sterling. Through the years, he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Trustee and Deacon. He loved his church family, as they were truly his brothers and sisters in Christ. His faith enabled him to face his cancer diagnosis and prognosis with the unwavering assurance that he would be healthy and whole in Heaven. Perry is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Lou, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by sisters Clara "Rusty" Brandt-Phillips of Springfield, Missouri, Ruth Judis of Cicero and Betty Bozaich of Vernon Hills; sisters-in-law Lorraine Maple of Galatia and Betty Morris of Metropolis; brother-in-law William "Jesse" James of Carrier Mills; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Friday March 20, 2009 from 5 to 8 PM at the Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling. Funeral Services will be Saturday March 21, 2009 at 10 AM at the First Baptist Church of Sterling. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the church. Please come by and help us remember Perry and celebrate his wonderful life. Memorials have been established to First Baptist Church of Sterling and Hospice of the Rock River Valley without whom this journey would have been so much harder. "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:21