Ronald Francis "Ron" Mapes

Ronald Francis “Ron” Mapes, 91, of Biloxi, Mississippi, widow of his beloved wife of 42 years, Moira (Wynne) Mapes, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on February 27th, 2019. Aside from his wife, Ron was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth “Betty” (Mapes) Moore and his elder brother, Cletus Warren Mapes. He was also predeceased by his parents Cletus Eugene Mapes and Hazel Marguerite Titus (Mapes) O’Neal. He lost two sons prior to his passing, the infant Kevin John Mapes and Captain (Ronald) Michael Mapes. Ronald is survived by his two children, USAF Retired Master Sergeant Brian James Mapes of Biloxi, residing presently in Kenner, Louisiana, and Moira Elizabeth Colleen (Mapes) Page married to Chef Peter Page of New Orleans, Louisiana; his grandchildren, Christopher Michael Mapes and wife Nui and Great Grandson Chadry Mapes; Kevin John Ward, Carli Sharon Wynne Mapes, Julian Michael Mapes, Darian Michael John (Gall), Devin Brian Joseph (Gall); his extended family of grandchildren Myriah and Rebecca McClarren of Georgia as well as his daughter in law, Julie Butler Mapes. Additionally Gina Marie (Borrelli) Gall and Maj. Kevin Anthony Gall remained loved by “Gramps” until his passing. There are numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews both stateside and in Ireland and England. Other relatives and close friends include Charles R. Cook, lifelong friend, of Centralia, Washington, and his dear Sisters-in-Law; Jeanette Mapes of Minot, North Dakota and Kathleen Wynne of Dublin, Ireland. Born in Westbury, Long Island, Ron grew up in Warwick New York, enlisting in the US Army in 1946 serving through 1947. Thereafter he attended the NY City Business College pursuing Engineering and Surveying with his brother Cletus. In 1950 he enlisted in the Air Force in the field of Recreational Specialist. This tour took him to Lakenheath AFB England, where he met his wife Moira. Ron completed his military education and technical training attaining the role of instructor in the fields of Trophospheric Scatter, Radio Relay and Microwave, maintaining permanent party at Keesler Air Force Base. He had an exemplary military career serving a total of 27 years. Ron retired from the USAF in 1975 wearing the rank of Master Sergeant, having received numerous awards and commendations to include: the Army Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one device, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 devices, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 2 Devices. Post Military, Ron received an Associate’s Degree from Phillips Business College and worked as an Office Manager for Robert Bertucci of Bertucci Dry Wall as well as he enjoyed running his own tax accounting business. He had many longtime clients, of which many became his close friends. In his early life, he loved coaching baseball, bowling, and watching all three of his children in the BHS Band (‘72-‘84). He was a faithful member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish. The recent years, he loved watching Football, Baseball and Collegiate Women’s Softball while yelling at the officials on TV, spending time with his dogs Jethro & Susie Q, and swapping sports statistics with his son Brian, his loving and devoted care giver of the past 10 years. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the team of the Compassus Hospice Care, along with their nurses as well as to the Nursing Staff of Ochsner Hospital, Kenner Campus for their dedication, support and effort over the last 2 months. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of South Mississippi, 2615 25th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501. A memorial service honoring Ronald will be held Saturday, March 9, 2019, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 2090 Pass Road, Biloxi. Visitation begins at noon with services conducted by Rev. Henry McInerney beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment with full military honors follows at the Biloxi City Cemetery. Thereafter friends are invited to join the family for a life celebration held at the residence of the Stallone Family, 2209 Baywood Drive, Biloxi. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 2511 Pass Road, in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.