NAMPA, Idaho -- Billie Dee Mapes, 83, died April 23, 2011, surrounded by his family at his home in Nampa.

He was born on June 5, 1927, in McCook, Nebraska to Elmer and Ada (Burham) Mapes. He was a graduate of McCook High School, class of 1945, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. He played football and graduated from McCook Community College, class of 1950.

Mapes worked as a Project Manager for the state of Nebraska Department of Roads for 42 years before his retirement in 1993.

Mr. Mapes was a member of the Elks lodge and Eagles lodge. He was a frequent blood donor to the American Red Cross. He was a long time member of the North Platte, Nebraska Episcopal Church of our Savior.

A memorial service will be in North Platte this June.

Mapes is preceded in death by his parents, Ada and Elmer Mapes of McCook.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Hiatt of Nampa; two sons, David (Laurie) of Minatare, Nebraska, and Kenneth of Lincoln, Nebraska; two daughters, Brenda Sue Crofutt (Bob) of Lowman, Idaho, and Alice Mapes of Nampa; grandchildren, Jordan, Joel, and Jared Mapes of North Platte, Zachary and Zane Mapes of Lincoln, Robert, Ryin, and Rebekah Crofutt of Nampa, and Emma Mapes of Nampa; great-grandchildren, Cecilia Sue, Sam Lydia, Alyhia Marie, Marcus D, and Lexie Lynn, all of Nampa; brother, Chub (Marcia) of North Platte; sister, Lila Fisher of Norton, Kansas; and many family members and friends.