Loyal R. Mapes, 93, Hays, died Thursday, July 24, 2014 at Via Christi Villages in Hays.

He was born March 7, 1921 in rural Norton County, Kansas the son of Elmer and Blanche (Mathes) Mapes. He graduated from Norton Community High School in 1938. He married Beulah States October 3, 1940. He then entered into the United States Army in 1942 and was honorably discharged in 1944, awarded the Purple Heart. Beulah died September 17, 1992 and Loyal later married Creta Bennett on March 20, 1993. Creta died on March 12, 2014. He was a member of the First Church of God and American Legion Post 63 in Norton. He also loved fishing, hunting, spending time watching birds, and riding in the parades in his 1929 Ford.

He was survived by his son, Eldon Mapes and wife Phyllis, Baldwin City, a daughter, Leta Rice and husband Larry, Laferia, TX, four grandchildren, Daveda Leppke and husband Kent, Bonner Springs, Evan Mapes, Houston, TX, Melissa Russell and husband Travis, Wichita, Brant Rice and wife DeLynn, Hays, and seven great grandchildren, Brandon and Danae Leppke, Landry, Kelly and Chloe Rice, Cooper and Bryles Russell, a sister, Dorothy Goodon, Toney, AL, and a brother-in-law, Earl Wright.

He was preceded in death by wife Beulah and wife Creta, two brothers, and four sisters.

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm on Monday, July 28, 2014 at St. John’s Chapel of Via Christi Villages, Hays. Friends may call on Monday from 12:00 pm until the time of the service at St. John’s Chapel. Memorials are suggested to First Church of God, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine. Condolences may be left for the family at ww.haysmemorial.com.