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APPLEGATE Donald W. Donald W. Applegate, our beloved patriarch, Born Feb. 19, 1922, in Toledo Ohio, "walked to God" on Sunday evening, April 29, 2012. A caring father, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather showed us all how to live gently, gracefully, with integrity, and keen humor. Donald was preceded in death by parents, father, H. Wallace Applegate; mother, Ruth Milmine Applegate; siblings and a nephew. He is survived by loving wife, Dorothy Dugan Applegate; son, John (Joyce) Applegate, Jackson, MS; daughters, Martha Applegate, Santa Fe, NM, Anne (Tim) O'Brien, Toledo, OH; stepchildren, Lonn (Deb) Dugan, Sylvania, OH, Cynthia Dugan, Toledo, OH, Sherrie (Robert) Larkin, Indianapolis, IN, Jeannie (Leonard) Sanders, Bangor, MI; niece, Molly (Van) Merkle Heiner; nephew, Christopher Merkle; 18 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Donald graduated from Scott High School in 1940 and attended Miami University prior to being drafted by the US Army as a private assigned to the 81st Infantry at Camp Rucker AL. He went on to Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA, graduating as Second Lieutenant assigned to Ft McCullen, AL as an instructor. In 1944 he was assigned to 75th Infantry, Camp Breckenridge, KY, as weapons platoon leader of Co K, 289th regiment. Combat training commenced in England (Wales). In the fall of 1944 Donald entered WWII by crossing the English Channel to Holland. He led a successful attack against Hitler (in the Battle of the Bulge). Battlefield promotions to the rank of Captain and then Company Commander followed. Shrapnel wounds led to a brief stay in a Paris Hospital before returning to his unit. Following the war, Don stayed on to manage the liberation of several concentration camps. Decorations include the Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. After WWII, Donald completed college at the American Institute of Foreign Trade at the National University of Mexico. He studied International Relations and Foreign Trade, earning a Master's degree in business. A banking career followed in International Business with National City Bank of N.Y. He worked and lived 3 years in Santiago, Chile with first wife, Barbara (Fredericks) Applegate (deceased). Donald returned to the United States in 1954, and founded Lucas Products Corporation when he purchased a struggling small business in Toledo in 1956. Donald served as entrepreneur and president until he retired in 1990. The company became a successful manufacturing business with a global market serving several industries. In 1960 Donald became chairman of Citizens for John F. Kennedy, where he met Adelaide Stevenson and received a personal invitation to attend the Kennedy Inauguration in 1961. He remained devoted to civic responsibility and politics throughout his life. In 1980 he married Dorothy (Robinson) Dugan, becoming Stepfather to Dorothy's four children. The couple were married for 32 years, sharing a love of art, music, and bird-watching, even traveling the world to pursue rare sightings. Donald was also an avid reader and champion of environment issues, supporting of the Sierra Club and the Nature Conservancy. He belonged to Toledo Naturalists Association for many years and served as Treasurer. Other memberships and groups supported included The Ohio Historical Society, The American Legion, and The Toledo Club (Book Club, Wednesday Nooners). In the last decade, Donald travelled to revisit WWII Battlefields. Later, his war experiences were catalogued in his own voice in the Library of Congress. His story is included in the publication, "What a Time it Was" (Fisher, 2011). A Toledo Blade article, "Veteran's Day: Aging veterans retell tales of WWII courage," (11/11/2010) featured quotations and a photo. In early 2011 he was honored by U.S. President, Barack Obama and Ohio Congresswoman, Marcy Kaptur for his distinguished service. Donald spent his last days at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, surrounded by family and friends. As visitors shared fond memories, it became more apparent how broadly he was loved, admired, and respected. Visitation will be Friday, May 11, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at Sylvania United Church of Christ where Donald was a member for more than 30 years. On Saturday, May 12, 2012, a Memorial Service will be held from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at the church. A light lunch will be served from 12-1 p.m. before a funeral procession commences to the Historic Woodlawn Cemetery, 1502 West Central Ave. Toledo, OH 43606 for the interment with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Hospice of Northwest Ohio 30000 E. River Rd Perrysburg, OH 43551, Sylvania United Church of Christ 7240 Erie St. Sylvania, OH 43560, or Toledo Naturalist Association 19800 Sugar Creek Rd. Bowling Green, OH 43402. Arrangements made by Walker Funeral Home 419-841-2422. Condolences may be sent to the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com
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Johnny, Martha and Annie, My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you for your loss of a truly delightful man. Maybe none of you remember me, but I was your babysitter on Second Street and at Grand Haven where your Dad played the zither and sang Big Rock Candy Mountain. He would giggle whenever he hit the wrong note. You Johnny would giggle when you peeked into the bathroom when I would go in to change. You were just that age. You kids were so cute. Mostly John I always wanted you and Don to know how grateful I have always been that you took me on birding walks and instilled a wonderful hobby into my life, and I in turn passed it on to my cousin, who has made it her way of life in the Adirondacks, and my brother and my husband and many others. So thank you, and thank you Don, so much. So many memories I've held onto all these years. You guys and Grand Haven are one of my happiest memories.I have thought of it so often. I hope Fitz, your Irish Setter is in heaven with you Don. When you brought him into the vet you said his legs were trembling like a "tuning fork". Giggle giggle.
Kathie (Hoffman) O'Shea
Kathie (Hoffman) O'Shea
July 10, 2012
Dearest Dugan and Applegate Families,
Sincere condolences to you on Don's passing. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he has touched. Don was a stellar example of what it means to be a Grandfather to my Children. We are all eternally grateful for the time we had with him. Thank you, Don
Ann Dugan
May 12, 2012
Dorothy~ I'll never forget your wonderful party where Donald and I discovered our mutual interest in "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" books. We had such a great discussion!
After reading all the other wonderful things about him, I am honored to have known him. I know you will miss him more as time passes. Just remember your friends will be there for you.
Love, Elaine and Phil
May 11, 2012
Every one enjoyed being with Don when he was at whitmer, a gentleman, scholar and all arround great guy.Kevin W Gannon.Pinehurst NC
May 9, 2012
Dorothy and family, When I saw Donald's name in the Blade a rush of fond memories came back to the days you and Donald were dating, so many years ago,and when I read between the lines of a beautiful write up, I can see you've had many cherished memories and a full life sharing many adventures, not to my surprise. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. With Much Love June (Berta) Taylor
June Taylor
May 7, 2012
Thinking of you, Dorothy, and praying for comfort as you grieve, as well as guidance and strength as you face a new chapter. Blessings always, Rita Visser
May 7, 2012
They simply don't make them any better than Don. He was so important to and highly regarded by his friends. - Ed Weber
May 7, 2012
I am so sorry for the loss of your father Martha. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy Heffelfinger
May 6, 2012
My Dad, Carl Teipel, loved Donny Sooo much. I know he cherished their time together, and I can speak for my dad (without his knowledge) that he had lost one of his best friend's and companions. He is so saddened by this loss of a true friend and soul mate.
I remember "Donny's" smile, and his family living on 5th street?? Near us maybe??
Anyway, my love and heart goes our to you all that knew and loved him.
Tina Teipel
May 6, 2012
Martha ,so sorry to hear of your loss, I know how hard it is as my Dad passed about the same time. Debbie Bauerschmidt Ferguson
Debbie Bauerschmidt Ferguson
May 6, 2012
To Martha, and the Applegate family; I am very sorry to read of your father's passing of this life. He had to be a man that was larger than life. As a Veteran, I can not help but be impressed about how he saved our way of life in WWII. However, his greatest deeds had to be with his family, and it shows. Certainly, he is a peace, and with our Creator.
Tim Quilter
May 6, 2012
Dear Annie, Martha, and John - It is hard to believe we will no longer see Don at the beach in Highland Park! We could always count on seeing him there - his favorite place. We are very sorry for your loss.
Barb and Bill Weideman
May 6, 2012
Dorothy and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Donald has earned his rest as a great and respected man. He is now in the arms of Jesus to live forever in our hearts.
Bob & Ruth Hiszak
May 6, 2012
Dear Dorothy, Our prayers are with you. Donald was a deeply cherished friend. Bill & Carolyn Stifel, Irvington, NY
May 5, 2012
Dear Dorothy,
You and Don are in my heart and in my prayer. Blessings - and much love!
Sharon Havelak, OSF
May 3, 2012
Dorothy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Ray & Jodi O'Lenic & girls
May 2, 2012
Thank you all for your support of my mother. Don will live on around us in mementos of a life well lived - and through us in the wisdom, grace and love he taught without words because he lived it.
Lonn Dugan
May 2, 2012
Dear Dorothy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Donald as he completes his journey home.
Erin Palmer Szavuly
May 2, 2012
Dear Martha and Dorothy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love.
Kathryn Beggs-Howlett
May 1, 2012
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks for your honorable service.
Tim O'Brien
May 1, 2012
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