Fred Ferdinand Maphis' Obituary
FRED FERDINAND MAPHIS was born in Leignitz, Germany on February 28, 1944 and passed away on December 27, 2019 after a long 20 year battle with cancer. The son of German parents, Fred came to the United States as a small child after his mother met and married his step-father during the American occupation of Germany after World War II. After graduating from high school in 1962, Fred entered the Navy and volunteered for submarine duty. He served on five different submarines during 8 years of active duty. After taking an honorable discharge, Fred entered the Naval reserve where he served for an additional 23 years. He retired as a Master Chief in 1993 with over 30 years of combined Naval service. Fred met the love of his life, Derlaann Nalani Cruz, in 1964 while stationed in Hawaii and they were married in November of that year. They were blessed with over 55 years of marriage. They have 2 sons, Fred and Robert, and 1 daughter, Mahealani, with 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. In civilian life, Fred worked as an engineering technician and after earning his Bachelor of Science degree from UTD he became a process engineer in the semiconductor industry, specializing in photo lithography and wet etch. Fred and Derlaann loved to travel. They have been to 5 of the 7 continents, over 28 countries, at least 25 islands and 47 of the 50 states. They have resided in Richardson, Tx for the last 46 years. After retiring from Naval service, Fred joined United States Submarine Veterans Inc. affiliated with the Dallas Base, where he and Derlaann have participated in the numerous activities through the years. In 2001 Fred was given the opportunity to teach at Richland College. He truly enjoyed teaching and always said he would teach until his dying day. Fred will be remembered as a loving father and husband, and as someone always willing to help others and devoted to his country and the constitution. He will be missed!
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