Cody Houston Maples, aka Bubby, Little Man, Shotgun, Code-dog, Code-man, was born in Kankakee, Illinois, April 21^st,1989. He met his Mom and Dad, Sherry and Steve Maples in January 1990. He was delivered to them, by the social worker, Mary Beckerdite, to a McDonald’s in Springfield, Missouri. His pediatrician nicknamed him “Bubba Mac” so perhaps that’s how Cody’s love of food started. Cody will be remembered as a proud dad to Houston Jerette, Kensley Sheridan Kay, and Dacoda Olivia Lin that he was blessed with, along with their mother, Hannah Kelley. He was a protective brother to sisters Amber Hainline (husband-Justina- not his real name, as he and Cody always put fictitious names on their Christmas presents to one another) and sister Erica, the strong uncle to nieces Milana and Mei Lin Hainline, and the cherished grandson to Papa Kenny “Ted” and Gran Carol Robinette. He was to be the one to grow old with Heather Sere and her extended family.

Cody observed the world through a reserved lens, quietly processing each moment, before letting it shape his understanding. However, he was outspoken on the love he felt for his country, what truly counted as “good country music” and which NBA players should consider a career change. His taste in music ranged from The Cathedrals to Randy Houser to Metallica. Though he hated the Missouri heat, he loved the outdoors. Four wheeling, relaxing and fishing on Bull Creek, near his home, were his favorite pastimes, with the highlight of his year being the Maples-Oliver Deer Camp. His hard work ethic was a trademark, he learned from his Dad, and his absence will be noticeable at Wholesale Builders Supply. His laugh, mischievous sense of humor and his dimpled grin allowed Cody to spread joy easily, with those he knew well. You can look at his children and see all of these traits. Since flowers wither and fade and enjoyment is brief, it was asked that contributions be made to Victor Baptist Children’s Church- the church where Cody grew up learning about Jesus and where he was a member. A Children’s Church that impacted him, his children and hopefully, generations to come.

Cody’s life was tragically taken on March 14, 2026 in Branson, Missouri at the age of 36. Quite sure he entered Heaven as shocked, as the rest of us, to find himself there so soon. The Maples family, his extended family and friends, though devastated by Cody’s untimely death, choose to be comforted in the knowledge, that he now resides in Heaven, because of his firm belief in the Lord, who died and rose again, so that anyone can choose eternal life. For those who are believers, we’re not saying goodbye to Cody, but merely goodnight, for a while and will be looking towards the day, we’re reunited with him and get the best Cody hug ever.