Audie "Murphy" Appawoo

Audie “Murphy” Appawoo, age 62, of Ft. Duchesne, passed on to his next journey on April 22, 2025, with his family by his side from complications of pneumonia.

He was born on November 9, 1962, in Roosevelt, to loving parents, Anton and Leah Root Appawoo.

Audie was a caring, loveable person. He worked with the Ute Tribe Energy and Mineral as a Compliance Officer for 24 years – he was a dedicated worker. He loved his staff and they were practically his second family. In his younger years, he worked with Haliburton as a mechanic.

Audie was a Fancy Dancer and traveled the Pow Wow trails all over the country. When his father was still alive, he would dance beside him. His favorite hobby was (of course) gambling, mostly at Wendover where he was a Diamond Chairman Cardholder. He enjoyed taking his family and friends out to eat – he loved his jalapenos and his ice cold coke with his food. He also loved donuts. He liked to listen to Rock and Roll, Country, and Jelly Roll songs. He was a very generous person, with a big heart. He was always there to help anyone with anything. He had a great sense of humor and was a very good friend.

His family and friends were very important to him. He loved a very special cowgirl: a granddaughter, “Leah Girl.” She had him wrapped around her finger, and spoiled her. She loved her “Papa.” He had a very special friend who was considered his brother, Ty Navanick. He truly loved his sister, “Bird”; nieces, “Miss Twist” & “Witsie.” He was the best uncle a person could ask for and he would do anything for them.

Audie was a fighter and fought to the very end. He’ll always be “Our Superman.” He missed his sidekick, his dad, Anton, deeply...Now they are hitting the big slot machines in the sky. Now he’s reunited with his angel Mother, cherished son and beloved brothers.

He is survived by his big sister, Berdeena “Bird” Appawoo MountainLion, & family; niece, Cara (Todd) Mair, Sr.; nephew, Marty Appawoo & family; great-nephews and -nieces, L.T., Whitley, Tempestt (Pat), Teasha, Gabbriela, Holly, Gerald Mair, sisters, Johanna Garcia; Varissa & Antonette Appawooand their families, and numerous other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Dan & Estelle Ridley Appawoo; son, Juan W. Appawoo, Mazie & Grace Root; parents, Anton & Leah; brothers, Ronnie & AJ; good friend, Eddie Martinez and a nephew, Brian Appawoo.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hullinger Mortuary. There will be a wake at his home on Sunday after 4:00 p.m.

Following the service, he will be cremated and the cremated remains will be buried in the Ft. Duchesne Cemetery at a later date.