John Lewis Applegate was born in Iola to James Lewis and Mary Francis Applegate on Feb. 26, 1941. He was raised on a farm in Carlyle until he enlisted into the U.S. Army where he served three years in Germany.
John was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Rachel Morton. He is survived by his sweetheart, Ramona, of more than 52 years; son Doug Applegate and wife Theresa, Moore, Okla., and daughter Kelly Loyd and husband Benny, Belton, Texas. John is also survived by four grandchildren, Kayla Holloway and husband Chas, Albuquerque, N.M., Garrett Morton, Norman, Okla., Cameron Applegate, Moore, Okla., and Tyler Loyd, Belton, Texas; sisters, Shirley Strahl and husband Dick, Iola, Eva Tatum and husband Denny, Aurora, Colo., Evva Irwin and husband Bob, Iola, Carol Ingraham, Chanute, Martha Waugh and husband Jim, Joplin, Mo., and brother Joe Applegate and wife Stephany, Wichita; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
After John’s military duty, he and his family decided to plant new roots in Oklahoma. John worked for Southwestern Bell/AT&T and Lucent Technologies where he retired from just a few months short of 30 years of service. Upon retirement, he decided to start his own business, doing exactly the same thing he retired from.
A farm boy at heart, John loved to go fishing, hunting and camping with his family and friends. He loved to work in the yard and always kept a beautiful lawn. He could always keep a good poker face at a good prank. John was always willing to jump in and help family and friends when they needed help. He was a member of the Edmond Masonic Lodge for 15 years and received the highest rank of 32nd Degree Mason. After a short battle with bone and lung cancer, his body gave out and he was called home. We will truly miss you John. Your loving wife, family, close friends and neighbors. Love from all, till we see you again.
A service celebrating the life of John was at 1 p.m. today at Seward Road Baptist Church, Guthrie, Okla. Interment will follow at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond, Okla.
John Applegate
