Marlon Howard Maples

Marlon Howard Maples, 50, formerly of La Grande and Union, died July 27 in Valdez, Alaska.

Private family services were held July 31 at the Cremation Society of Alaska. Jim Lamson officiated. Memorial services will begin at 3 p.m. Sept. 7 at Valdez Glacier Campground. Phil Merioles will officiate. Marlon's cremated remains will be scattered in Valdez. An online guestbook and tribute can be viewed at www.alaskacremation.com.

Marlon was born Oct. 19, 1958, in Jackson County, Mo. He served in the US.S Army for 2 ½ years. Marlon attended college and graduated with an associates of arts and associates of criminal justice.

Marlon lived in La Grande and Union for most of his life. He went to school at Union High School.

Marlon made his home in Alaska since August 2001. From 2001 to 2002, he lived and worked in Honnah for the U.S. Forest Service. From 2002 until 2006 he lived in Valdez working for the Solomon Gulch Hatchery. And from 2006 until 2008 he was employed as a paraprofessional with the Dillingham City School District. Since 2008 he has lived in Anchorage.

Marlon was a member of the Foursquare Gospel and Moravian Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and reading.

Daughter Montana said her dad "was a good dad and a real cowboy at heart."

Family and friends knew him for his strength, hard work, courage and patriotism. As a prior law officer, Marlon was known for his deep-felt conviction to serve and protect, extending to his home, his wife and his children. He had a deep faith.

His children say that their dad made a special effort to spend quality time with them.

Survivors include his wife, Diane of Alaska; daughters, Rochelle Maples of Oregon and Danielle Maples, Montana Maples, Chastity Maples and Emma Maples, all of Alaska; son, Lucas Maples of Oregon; mother Theta LeVasseur of Oregon; brothers, Randy Maples of Washington, Clay Gross of Idaho, Doug Gross of Missouri and Marlin Virgin of Alaska; sister, Anita Maples of Missouri; aunt and uncle; and significant other family.

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