Royce Harrison Mapes

Royce Harrison Mapes, age 95, died at his home on July 11, 2013. Ballinger was his birthplace, and he has been a long-time resident here. It is the place where he met his loving wife, Marcille Jonas. They were married for 73 years. Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, July 12 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. The service will be held at Lange Funeral Home Chapel, Saturday, July 13th at 2:00 pm. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements are with Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger.

Royce was preceded in death by his father, Harry James Mapes and mother, Daisy Thompson Mapes and his two brothers, Bill and Milton Mapes.

Surviving family include his wife, Marcille; three children, James Mapes and wife Terry of Fort Worth, Martha Gray and husband Gene of Ballinger, and Sandra Phillips and husband Gary of Houston. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Dana Sharrock, Wes Green, Lance Shook, Shawna Deaver, Marcille Millet, Jami Hernandez, and Jennifer Stutsman. Extended family includes thirteen great-grandchildren.

Royce was a 1936 graduate of Ballinger High School. He was an enterprising entrepreneur, having previously owned and operated Ballinger Taxi Service. He was also an employee of Mueller Sheet and Metal Company and Borden and Gandy dairy companies. His primary profession was a residential and commercial paint contractor until his retirement. Royce was an eager Ballinger firefighter for the Ballinger Volunteer Fire Department in his earlier years. He was a member of the Lions Club and did magic tricks for the community. He came from a long line of ranchers and cowboys, beginning with Lon Mapes. Many wonderful memories were left by Royce, to be cherished by family and friends.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Ballinger Home Health and Hospice care-givers for their love, kindness, and support in caring for Royce Mapes.