Gasconade County Republican

Roger Maples (above, right), who died Monday, is seen on right at his wife’s retirement reception. Also shown (from left) are former Gerald Mayor Diane Ballard and Maple’s wife Beverly who served as Gerald City Clerk for 18 years until her resignation in 2007. The three are examining a plant sent as a farewell gift.Roger Maples, 68, Gerald business man, former police chief and avid hunter died Monday afternoon after a tough battle with cancer.

Since 1997, Maples had owned and operated Triangle M Archery, but many knew him through his work in law enforcement.

According to some research done by Gerald Deputy City Clerk Carmen Angell, Maples was hired as a patrolman by the city in April, 1974. She then found records that indicated he resigned as the Chief of Police on Aug. 15, 1982. There was no indication of when he was promoted to police chief.

From April 1990 to April 1994, he served as the municipal judge.

He then was appointed again as Chief of Police in April of 1994 and served until his retirement June 1, 2002.

“He was a great guy to work for and to be around. He was always a great guy. I hate to hear that.” Det. Sgt. Jim Helton, Gasconade County Sheriff’s Department and former Gerald Police lieutenant remarked when he learned of Maples death.

Deputy City Clerk Peggy Farrell also found records in Owensville City Hall. Minutes from a meeting in April of 1977 note that Paul Maples (Roger’s father) and Roger Maples were sworn in as deputy marshals.

On Dec. 23, 1983, he married Beverly Merk who later became Gerald City Clerk. Beverly survives Roger at their home.

Maples was known by many Gerald residents for his generosity. Requests for donations for various fund-raisers usually resulted in a pile of merchandise.

Young bow-shooters who frequented his archery shop often went home with a piece of necessary equipment that Maples just happened to no longer have a use for.

Besides Beverly, Roger leaves behind two daughters and their husbands, Vicky and Rodney Jones and Paula and Cory Alspach all of Owensville and several grandchildren.