Karl Arnold Mapes, Jr. Hammond native passed away at age 53 passed away at North Oaks Hospital May 3, 2024. He was born in Seventh Ward General Hospital March 6, 1971.
He began his high school career at Southwood Academy playing football, basketball and running track later he attended Oak Forest Academy high school and participated in football as a running back scoring 5 touchdowns in one home game.
After graduating From Oak Forest Academy he joined the Louisiana Air National Guard in Belle Chasse at the 159th Fighter Wing in the Security Forces Squadron. After his service he began working as a Pipefitter at various plants throughout the U. S. and even in Aruba where he obtained his SCUBA license. In 2010 he began working at the family owned Anytime Fitness Gym in Magee Mississippi until 2018 when he suffered a debilitating injury.
He very much enjoyed his time outdoors fishing and hunting where fishing was his true love. He loved running his Rocket boat fishing throughout south Louisiana. His next love was his mustang and flying with his friend. Anything that was fast caught his attention be it cars, boats or airplanes.
He is survived by his father Karl, Sr., his brother Kyle, three uncles, four aunts and seven cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother Jenny Lynn (Smith) Mapes paternal grandparents Leey and Grace (Arnold) Mapes, maternal grandparents Gerald (Buddy) and Nita Vern (Noble) Smith and his uncle Gerald Wayne Smith.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Celebration Of Life at the First Presbyterian Church 411 West Charles Street Monday May 20 at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow at Anderson Hall colocated with the church.