Frederick Ray Marple

Frederick Ray Marple, of Cabot, Arkansas (formerly of Heath, Ohio), passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sherwood, Arkansas, at the age of 78.

Fred was born in Newark, Ohio, on June 27, 1947, to Patricia Ruth Marple and Charles Raymond Marple. He graduated from Heath High School in 1965 and went on to work at Kaiser Aluminum before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1966. Over his 25-year military career, Fred served as a C-130 aircraft mechanic, retiring in 1991 at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. His assignments also took him to Dover AFB (Delaware), Eglin AFB (Florida), Naha (Okinawa, Japan), and Clark AFB (Philippines). Throughout his service, Fred received numerous commendations, awards, and medals in recognition of his dedication and skill.

After retiring from the Air Force, Fred began a second career with Southern Airways, which took him to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for three years. Upon his return to Anchorage in 1994, he continued working in aviation at the Anchorage International Airport and later joined Lynden Air Cargo in 1998, retiring in 2009.

Fred enjoyed bowling and was active in several leagues at Polar Bowl on Elmendorf AFB. He also loved golfing, camping, and fishing at the Russian River in Alaska.

Fred is survived by his wife of 57 years, Michal “Mickey” (Reber) Marple; and their daughters: Amy Gardner and her husband Scott of Cortland, Ohio; Kristen Amos and her husband Michael of Hanover, Maryland; and Jenna Peirpoint and her husband Brian of Cabot, Arkansas. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Lindsey, Emily, and Megan Amos; Paige Peirpoint; and Justin Gardner and his wife Hannah. He was also blessed with a great-grandson, Everett Gardner.

Fred is also survived by his sister, Charlene Hankinson of Newark, Ohio, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Rodney Charles Marple.

A visitation and viewing will be held at Roberts Funeral Home, 9560 Acme Rd., Seville, Ohio, on Saturday September 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with cremation to follow. Burial with military honors will take place at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd., Seville, Ohio.