Wilford "Willie" Dean Maples 84, of Springfield, Missouri passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. He was born on May 2, 1938 in Jamesville, Missouri to Emory and Mary (Keithley).

Willie married the love of his life, Mary Chapman on August 23,1964 in Kansas City, Kansas. He served in the US Navy from 1956 to 1959 on the USS Philippine Sea. For awhile he was stationed in Guam and spent time in Hawaii.

Willie had several hobbies. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, old cars, He owned several cars including a 1950 Ford sedan. Willie was a champion walnut picker and was featured on a billboard for Hammons.

Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers, Chester, Fred and Keith; sisters, June, Katy and Tonya; son, James Earl and a daughter, Lindy.

Survivors include his wife Mary Maples; six children, Justin (Patty), Teresa Manning, Jeff (Debra), Kim Luttrell (Doug), Ronnie and Donnie (Shonna); numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; two brothers, Aubrey (Barbara) and Steve (Sharon); five sisters, Sylvia, Virginia, Janice, Dixie and Nelda and a host of friends, family and wonderful neighbors.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at White Chapel (5234 W. State Hwy EE Springfield, MO 65802) with a visitation held one hour prior at 12:00 P.M. Burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens.