Karl E. Maple PHD, MS, 81, of Elkville, passed away at 12:10 P.M., Thursday, April 23, 2026 at his residence.
Karl had earned his bachelor of science degree, masters of science degree and PHD from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.  He had been an instructor at Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg. He was Chairman, Department of Social Sciences at John A. Logan College.  He was a professor at John A. Logan College.  Karl was a research assistant at Southern Illinois University.  Karl had been District Assistant for Congressman Bill Enyart, Congressman Jerry Costello, Congressman Glenn Poshard, and Congressman Paul Simon.  He had been councilman in Elkville, was on the Jackson County Board, was Chairman for Jackson County Public Housing Authority, and was on the Board of Directors of Prison Family Support in Carbondale.  He was named Distinguished Faculty by the Logan student body and was named Outstanding Young Educator by the Illinois Jaycees.  Karl enjoyed talking politics with the OLD DEMS in Carbondale.  He also enjoyed traveling all over the world, reading, skiing and photography.  Karl was a member of the National Education Association, Illinois Education Association, Phi Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Kappa Delta Pi.  He was of the Baptist faith.
He was born March 23, 1945, in Carbondale, IL, the son of June and Vivian June (Robinson) Maple.
He is survived by one son - Mark Maple and wife Mandy of Springfield, IL, one granddaughter - Gracie Maple of Springfield, IL, one sister - Carol Downs of Du Quoin, one nephew - Josh Downs and wife Lindsi of Du Quoin, great nephew and great niece - Jackson Downs and Addison Downs, both of Du Quoin.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services will be at 3:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Glenn Poshard officiating.
Friends may call from 1 P.M. until the time of service on Wednesday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorials to:  World Central Kitchen, Elverado Education Foundation, or Poshard Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home.