Keith B. Mapes, 94, of Natoma, Kansas, died on Wednesday, December 05, 2012, at the Hays Good Samaritan Society in Hays, Kansas.
 
Keith was born on February 25, 1918, in Ogallah, Kansas, the son of Norman B. and Leda (Denny) Mapes.  He grew up and attended school in the Ogallah, Wakeeney and Plainville, Kansas, areas and graduated from Plainville High School in 1936.  After high school he joined the United States Navy and served during World War II.  He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Maxine (Richmond) Mapes on June 30, 1940 in Stockton, Kansas.  From this union they were blessed with two daughters Sally Jo and Sue Ann.  His wife Maxine preceded him in death on April 04, 2004.  Keith was a business owner of several business ventures throughout his life.  In Natoma he owned a grocery store, laundry mat and the I.C. Bar where he served malts and burgers.  He was a longtime member of the Natoma United Methodist Church.  He was also a member of the Shriner’s and was a 32nd degree Mason.  He was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Rainbow for Girls in Natoma.  He served as Mayor of Natoma for several terms and enjoyed being active in the community.  He was delighted driving the local school bus for area children, and attending his daughters sporting events throughout Kansas.  Most of all he took joy in spending time with his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
 
Surviving family includes his two daughters Sally Jo Hanhardt and husband Roger of Hays, Kansas and Sue Ann Woodring of Tempe, Arizona; brother Arland J. Mapes of Halstead, Kansas; 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and brother Glenn D. Mapes.

A graveside service to celebrate Keith’s life will be held at 2 P.M. on Saturday, December 08, 2012, at the Natoma City Cemetery in Natoma, Kansas.  Burial will follow at the Natoma City Cemetery. Visitation and a family greeting will be from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Friday, December 07, 2012 at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Natoma.  Military rites will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 and Masonic services will be performed by John Palmer.  Memorials may be given to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or the Hays Good Samaritan Society and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Natoma is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.