Stephen Mapes, 68, of Troy, an honest, good-natured, fun-loving and hardworking man, died in the early morning of Sunday, August 24, of complications from cancer.

Steve was born in Dayton, Ohio.  In his early years, his intelligence and talent afforded him the position of Jefferson High School Drum Major for 5 years.  He also led the All Ohio Boys Band and was a drummer extraordinaire for the Fred J. Miller's Blackhawk drum corps until he served in Vietnam as a United States Marine.

Steve loved his family and worked hard for 30 years at B.F. Goodrich to take good care of us.  He was a loving husband and father who never, ever let us down.

He was happiest when fishing with his friends and loved ones and shared fishing stories until late in the evening.  Steve was an unwavering Cincinnati Reds fan who started every season believing "this was their year."  He was an avid billiards player and spent many fun filled nights shooting pool and laughing with his friends, of which there were many! He was a member of AMVETS Post #88 of Troy and VFW Post #4615 of Tipp City.

Steve had an immeasurable love of life and family, and his smile and laughter will remain with us forever.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Howard and Florence Rachel (Brown) Mapes.

Steve is survived by his wife, Victoria Mapes, his two daughters, Jody Weisenbarger and Brandy Clifford; his step children, Keith Januszak, Janice Rudisill, and Cindy Steele; his older brother, William Joseph Mapes; along with 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

To put it simply in the playful yet poignant words of Steve: "I had fun getting here."

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2014 at Fisher-Cheney Funeral Home, Troy. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday August 28, 2014 and from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Friday, at the funeral home. Interment will be in Bear Creek Cemetery, Trotwood with a Military Graveside Service performed by the Veterans Memorial Honor Guard of Troy