Roll Call Tribute

Robert Bradshaw Mapes 

September 12, 1957 - December 1, 2023 

Robert Bradshaw Mapes was born September 12, 1957 in Houston, Texas to parents, Robert “Dada” David Mapes and Joan “Mama” Fore Mapes. He went to his Heavenly Home on December 1, 2023 in Coldspring, Texas at the age of 66.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Robert David and Joan Mapes; sister, Patricia Anne Mapes; niece, Melissa Merrill.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Anita Mapes; children, Lisa June Nickerson and husband Joe, Barry Wayne Ferguson and wife Brooke, Grady Bradshaw Mapes and wife Shannon, Casey Kellene Walker and husband Jeff, Taylor Dean Mapes and wife Aprile; sister, Michelle Add Merrill; grandchildren, Reid Nickerson, Riley Nickerson, Trent Ferguson, Mitchell Mapes, Grant Ferguson, Everett Mapes, Noah Walker, Bennett Sommer, Reece Mapes, Lawson Ferguson, Brody Walker, Xander Walker; nephews, Michael Merrill and Christopher Merrill. Visitation will be at the First Baptist Church in Coldspring, Texas on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 10-11am. The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11am with Pastor Phil Herrington officiating.

Brad graduated from Spring Branch High School in 1976 where he played football and ran track. Brad then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business administration at Texas A&M University where he also became a top-notch golfer. He was a Class of 1980 Aggie graduate. Whoop!

He worked at Profax as an administrative assistant, during which he studied hard to get his CPA license. He then went to work for Associated Welding Supply as an administrative manager. He spent over 30 years working for these companies, where he met lifelong friends Carol Rohan, Gale Fisher, and Patricia Kohler, and his beloved wife Anita. Brad married Anita, the love of his life, in 1985 where they found joy in their five children. Brad and Anita were blessed with wonderful adventures in their many trips around the country. Brad had many passions, but one of his favorites was coaching little league baseball, which he did for about 30 years. He found such joy in coaching his boys Grady and Taylor and later his grandson Reid. He was known for volunteering his time to coach wherever he was needed. Brad was also a saltwater fishing enthusiast, who particularly loved to fish at Port Isabel, and enjoyed deer hunting, one of his favorite activities, in Coldspring, Texas. Brad first fell in love with the piney woods of Coldspring in 1995, when he and Dada found the property in a newspaper and decided to share its ownership. Up until deciding to move here, the property was continuously used by Brad’s close friends and family. He and Anita were also involved in Sagemont Animal Pet Ministry through their beloved late dog Belle.

In 2012, Brad became the owner of a business that he had a great affection for and devoted his time to until his passing. In recent years, Brad and Anita have built their dream home in Coldspring, Texas where they have cultivated a beautiful life for themselves and their dogs in the country. Brad loved being a grandpa to his 12 grandkids and they adored him. He was adamant on attending every one of his grandkids’ activities so that he could cheer them on and show them unwavering support. Brad was a loving husband and father, and was well known for his gift for gab. He never met a stranger, truly loved getting to know anyone and everyone, and had a gift for building and nurturing relationships which made everyone around him feel valued. Brad had a deep and personal relationship with the Lord and was passionate about showing and teaching others the love of Jesus Christ. Although Brad has gone to live in the eternal comfort of the Lord, his absence will be greatly felt.