Jack Applegate
Jack M. Applegate
Retired educator Jack Merrill Applegate, 77, died April 9, 2002, at a hospital in Wichita, from heart problems.
Well known over a wide area, he was a friendly person who always had a big smile.
Born Sept. 15, 1924, near Lincolnville, he was the son of the late Oscar and Neva (Shirk) Applegate.
He graduated from Ramona High School in 1942 and attended college at McPherson for a year prior to service in the Navy during World War II.
He served in the Navy Hospital Corps three years. Service included aboard the USS Sanctuary and USS Puget Sound in the South Pacific.
After the war, he returned to McPherson College and graduated in 1948. He also began his 36-year career in education that year. During those years he also earned his master's degree in education and specialist's degrees.
He was married to Neva Mary Brunner on Aug. 1, 1948, at McPherson.
A member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, he served in many capacities including being an elder and chairman of the committee which built the new church parish hall.
He was affiliated with American Association of School Administrators, Kansas State Teachers Association, Kansas National Education Association, Lions club, and was a past president of the Marion Kiwanis Club.
He volunteered in many capacities, including being one of the first emergency medical technicians in Marion County.
He had many hobbies and always had an active craft in progress. He enjoyed tatting, needlepoint, wood working, gardening, and computer applications. He enjoyed keeping busy.
Jack and Neva traveled for enjoyment and found friends wherever they went, including their winter home in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
He was preceded by his parents and a great-grandson.
Survivors include his wife, Neva, of Marion; children, Lynn and wife Susan Applegate of Wichita, Kaye and husband Jim Darrow of Marion, Mark and wife Patty Applegate of Herington; two foster children, Gary Smith of Dodge City and Susan Edwards of Manhattan; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Donna Bell of Abilene; and many other relatives and friends.
Services were held Saturday afternoon at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Marion, with the Rev. John A. Ryding officiating.
Jim Hett was vocal soloist and the Rev. Gene Hicks, organist.
Active casket bearers were Gordon Wakeman, James Gaeddert, Austin Covalt, Tom Anderson, John DelVecchio, and Marvin Krehbiel.
Honorary bearers were Todd Applegate, Traci Lanning, Michael Darrow, Erin Dieker, David Darrow, and Anthony Edwards.
Burial was in Lewis Cemetery, Ramona, with military honors presented by a funeral detail from Fort Riley.
Memorial funds have been established in his name with the church and American Heart Association.
