Jerry Lee Maple

MONROVIA – Jerry Lee Maple, 91, of Monrovia, IN and later Mesa, AZ passed away on September 22, 2023.

Jerry was born on March 1, 1932, to Walter and Ova (McGraw) Maple in Sims, IN. Anyone that knew Jerry knew that the only word to describe him was as a “character”. He loved a well-timed joke, a carefully planned practical joke, or just the off-thecuff remark to greatly amuse those around him.

He graduated from Swayzee High School in 1950 where he was in the band and played basketball. The track, though, is where he really showed his talent, winning several blue ribbons in both the 110-yard dash and the 110-yard high hurdles in which event he also won the county championship. After high school he enrolled in Marion Business College for 2 years until Uncle Sam came knocking. Jerry entered the Army and served honorably in the Korean War directing fire for an artillery unit. Upon his release from the Army he came home and entered into an apprenticeship as a tool and die maker. After several years of working in tool and die shops he opened Jamac Machine and Tool and Indiana Machinery Sales, from which he retired in 1997. He also was a founding partner in forming Huff Steel in 1990 which is still in operation as a family business today.

Jerry was involved in his community by way of several organizations. He served on the Monroe-Gregg School District Board for 8 years, four of which he served as President. He was a Past Master of Pentalpha Lodge #564 and a Past Master of Bartimaeus Lodge, UD. He was a member of Murat Shrine as well as the Order of Eastern Star. His true Masonic love was the stage at the Scottish Rite. He performed in 78 straight convocations over the span of 37 years as well as at least a dozen plays. He was honored in 1995 with the Meritorious Service Award.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Nancy Kuliesis (John), his son, Jerry (Polly), his granddaughter Virginia Kuliesis, his grandson, Jacob Maple, and his brother-in-law Ray Turner as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia (Masten), wife, Yvonne (Wilhite), his parents, and his sister, Nancy Turner.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 1:00 PM at the Plainfield Friends Meeting in Plainfield, Indiana. Family and friends are welcome to visit from 11AM-1PM with a Masonic Service at 1PM.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that a donation be made to the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation or the Scottish Rite Cathedral Foundation.