Hoyt E. Maples, age 89, of Valhermoso Springs, AL passed away October 29, 2022, at Floyd E. “Tut” Fann Veterans Home in Huntsville, AL. He was preceded in death by his entire immediate family: his father, Oscar “Buck” Maples, mother, Lois Hopper Maples; two sisters, Ellion McMinemon and Joyce Blankenship, and one half-brother, Eldridge Hopper.
Mr. Maples was born December 27, 1932, in a log cabin in the New Center community. He liked to say he was just like Abraham Lincoln because they were both born in a log cabin. Mr. Maples later moved to a large farm and grew up a farm boy. His first nine years of schooling were spent in the old Plainview School, and then went to Morgan County High School in Hartselle. In the eleventh grade he joined the Hartselle National Guard, was mobilized and had basic training at Fort Campbell, KY, as part of the 1343rd Engineer- Combat Battalion. On his eighteenth birthday in 1951, he shipped out of Seattle, Washington for Korea. He returned to the United States in February 1952 after serving thirteen months. In November of1952, Mr. Maples married Dorothy “Dot” Self, and they would have celebrated their seventieth anniversary on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy “Dot” Self Maples; three children, H. Michael Maples (Valerie) of Tullahoma, TN, Constance “Connie” Maples of Cullman County, AL, and Matthew W. Maples of Valhermoso Springs, AL; five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, five great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Maples played a special role in the NASA Space Program as an Engineering Designer working on the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs, volunteering as a test subject for the long duration flights. His hobbies were fishing, hunting and feeding wild birds.
Due to the spread of Covid and illnesses of family members, _there will be no service. The family extends thanks to all those who helped the family and especially to the wonderful, caring staff at “Tut” Fann during his illness. Your thoughts and prayers will be greatly appreciated.
Peck Funeral Home is assisting with his cremation.
