Lester Eugene Maple, 85, passed away on August 27, 2026, at his home. Lester was born on March 22, 1941 in Sacramento, California, to Eugene and Lena Mae Witherspoon Maple. He married Kathleen Petersen on December 28, 1968.

Lester’s life was defined by dedication to his family, his faith, and a strong work ethic passed down through generations. As a teenager, Lester learned the value of honest labor working alongside his parents, grandmother, uncle, and younger sister in local fruit canneries. During his formative teenage years, his family became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This faith became the cornerstone of his life, providing a steady foundation for the family he would later raise. Lester lived by his convictions, remaining steadfast and unwavering in his testimony of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. After graduating high school, Lester served honorably in the United States Marine Corps.

Lester provided for his family in a variety of ways through the years: dealing blackjack in Lake Tahoe, selling cars at Partee Volkswagen, and running his own Phillips 66 service station. However, his true calling emerged when his father, a plumber, introduced him to the trades. Lester discovered a true passion for construction, becoming an exceptionally skilled carpenter. For decades, he built homes and shared his craft, patiently teaching the trade to his family. Known for his exactness, precision, and meticulous standard of excellence, Les instilled a profound work ethic in his children and grandchildren, who loved and revered him deeply.

After a lifetime of raising various farm animals, Lester spent his “retirement” years fulfilling his dream of the ultimate farm life, tending to his beloved goats.

Lester is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Kathleen Maple, sister JoAnn Bruns, and brother Jerry Maple. His endless legacy lives on through his extensive posterity, including his 12 children, and a multitude of cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 2:00 pm until service time at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A Funeral Service will begin at 3:00 pm. Burial will follow at Kirby's Tucker Memorial Cemetery in Mountain Home, Arkansas, with Jerry Maple, Clay Maple, Chad Maple, Jacob Maple, Tommy Lawhorn, Harley Lawhorn, Cooper Sisk serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Kieth Rhymer, Dakota Rhymer, Riley Rhymer, Jordan Rhymer, Hunter Rhymer, Thomas Lawhorn-Tharp, Elias Maple, Saul Maple, and Jesse Maple.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heifer International. Arrangements are being handled by Kirby & Family Funeral and Cremation Services-Mountain Home, 600 Hospital Drive Mountain Home, AR 72653. Visit the online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.