Robert Henry Mapes

Mr. Robert Henry Mapes, 90, formerly of Ft. Madison, died Monday, December 19, 2011 at the West Point Care Center. Mr. Mapes was born in September, 1921 in Roscoe, Iowa, the son of Lewis and Mayme Smith Mapes. On September 4, 1943, he married Clema Skinner in Kahoka, Missouri. On November 24, 1995, he married Helen Crow in Ft. Madison. He was a 1940 graduate of Danville High School and a 1972 graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Industrial Education. He did graduate work at Iowa State University, Drake University, and Western Illinois University. From 1942 until 1945 he was enlisted in the Army Air Force and served as an aircraft mechanic and aerial engineer at Lackland Air Force Base in Waco , Texas. Mr. Mapes began his employment as a farm hand for John Wishmeier and then worked in railroad construction for Guthrie and Johnson at Iowa Ordnance Plant. From 1946-1963 he worked at Ochsner Chevrolet in Ft. Madison as a mechanic and eventually as service manager. From 1963 -1969 he was an MDTA Auto Mechanic instructor under the supervision of the Ft. Madison School District. In 1969-1983 he was an auto mechanics instructor at Southeastern Community College, ...[more]

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t Burlington. In May of 1985, he was awarded Professor Emeritus by SECC. He also served in the Peace Corp from 1990-1993 at the age of 70, working in Guatemala for two years and Cameroon for one year, teaching animal husbandry, helping to finance and build an orphanage , and teaching auto mechanics. When he returned to the states, he sponsored two young African men through SECC in auto mechanics, auto body and auto electrical programs. Mr. Mapes also owned Mapes Suffolks in Ft. Madison, raising about 100 head of registered bred ewes. He promoted sheep for many years and was active at the county fair helping youth with their entries. He also was a member of the Southeast Iowa Sheep Association, IOOF of Wever, Jaycees, and Baltimore Riders. Mr. Mapes is survived by his wife, Helen Crow of the West Point Care Center; three daughters, Sherry Beimer of San Diego, Carol Mapes of Ft. Madison, Barbara (Ronald) Zumdome of Ft. Madison; one son Steve (Fernanda) Mapes of Spring, Texas; three stepdaughters, Diana (Roy) Bartlett of Ft. Madison, Peggy Hayes of Ft. Madison, and Patty (Paul) Twedt of Ames; 4 grandsons, Brad Beimer, Brett Beimer, Sean Mapes and Matt Mapes; one granddaughter, Danel Mapes; 3 great-grandchildren and many step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; and one brother-in-law, Dale Murray of West Burlington. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, one son Ronald, and sisters Mary Lou Murray and Lucile Mapes. According to his wishes, Mr. Mapes has donated his body to the University of Iowa for medical research. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Elliott Chapel, New London is in charge of arrangements.