Clair "Keith" Apple

Clair "Keith" Apple, age 85, of Alma, passed away Friday, December 5, 2025, at Crestwood Village in Mount Pleasant. He was born March 29, 1940, in Alma, Michigan, the son of Clair "Bud" and Jean (Bair) Apple. He married Betty L. Taylor on November 5, 1960, in Mount Pleasant, a blessed union of 65 years.
Keith was a lifelong farmer and spent several years working at Morbark, various trailer manufacturers, and was a mechanic for Indy racecar driver Gordon Johncock. He retired from the Gratiot County Road Commission in 1998, after 25 years of service. He enjoyed fishing, camping, building and riding dune buggies. He spent several hours riding his side by side, checking on the local farms and their crops. He especially loved hunting and was proud to share his passion with his grandsons. Keith was with them when they each took their first deer.
Keith also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and traveling. He and Betty enjoyed summers spent on Crystal Lake and wintering in the Bahamas and Arizona.
Keith is survived by his wife Betty; two children Kandi (Mark) Rockafellow, Brian (Tristen Davis) Apple; grandchildren Dylan (Maria) Rockafellow, Marshal (Alli) Rockafellow; Sarah (Edward) Hostettler; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Janice Apple.
A private graveside service will be held in Pritchard Cemetery in the spring. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Lincoln Road United Methodist Church, 9479 W. Lincoln Rd., Riverdale, MI 48877 or Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding, Ada, MI 49301.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, Alma.