Milton Mapou

Milton Mapou, age 97, of Columbus, passed away January 17, 2019. Milt was born on October 15, 1921 in Rockaway Beach, New York. A WWII Veteran, Milt served in the US Navy from 1940-46, a Pearl Harbor Attack survivor (USS Detroit) and aboard the Destroyer USS Pringle, first in the Atlantic then the Pacific Theater for the balance of the war, twice traversing the Panama Canal. Awarded numerous decorations, including Purple Heart w/Gold Star, Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal w/9 Stars and Defense Service Medal w/Star. Pacific Campaigns: Solomon Islands, Bougainville, Saipan, Guam, Tinian, Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Endured yearlong plus recovery and lifelong disability from wounds sustained when April 16, 1945 Kamikaze Attack off Okinawa sunk the USS Pringle within six minutes.

Milt volunteered at the Motts Military Museum in Groveport. He was a member of Benfield Christian Church.

Milton is preceded in death by his wife, Helen Mapou; parents, Irving and Frances Mapou, daughter, Fern Roth, siblings, Bernard Mapou and Alice Brilliant. Survived by son, Craig C. (Donna) Mapou; grandchildren, Jennifer Roth, Stefinie Roth, Jason Mapou, Jaime Mapou, Ken (Lisa) Branscome, Randy Branscome; great-grandchildren, Doug Branscome, Christina Smith, Amanda Branscome, and Sarah Branscome; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Branscome; sister, Fannye Lower; special friends, Dr. Norman Lambert, Greg Keller, and Barbara Barber.

Family will receive friends Friday, January 25, 2019 beginning at 12 noon until time of service at 2 p.m. at GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 S. High St., and Pastor Steve Sherrod officiating with military honors following service. Milt will be laid to rest with full military honors by U.S. Navy at Arlington National Cemetery. To sign and view Milt’s online guest book please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com