NOVA – Bruce Mapes, 59, of Nova, Ohio, passed away at his home on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, after battling pancreatic cancer for the last 5 years. He was born in Omaha, Neb., on May 19, 1962, to Charles and Shirley (Gilbert) Mapes.

A former Air Cavalry Scout and Cobra helicopter pilot, Bruce was a proud veteran and captain in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his family. He was always happy to give advice to anyone who needed it. As an avid fan of sports, Bruce could always be found on the field and was the loudest in the crowd. He was a big fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Bruce was a member of the AMVETS and attended Savannah United Methodist Church.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Penny; children, Brendan Mapes and Lindsay Mapes; sister, Lisa J. King; nephews, Jason (Andrea) Mapes, Logan (Jessi) Estep and Cameron (Aly) Estep; niece, Jasmine (Matt) King; mother, Shirley Mapes; grandmother, Katherine Gilbert; sister-in-law, Tracy (Rod) Estep; and numerous great-nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles.

The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 303 Claremont Ave., Ashland, OH 44805. A service will be held at 1 p.m. and visitation one hour prior on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at Savannah United Methodist Church, 10 W. Main St., Savannah, OH 44874. Pastor Lori Weaver will be officiating services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CJ3 Foundation, University of Nebraska Lincoln Alumni Association or Savannah United Methodist Church.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.wappner.com