Gary Kenneth Appelman

Gary Kenneth Appelman, 78, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2023. He was born on July 25, 1944 in Wichita, Kansas, to the late Kenneth Appelman and Lovina (Goodell) Appelman.
He attended school in Goddard, Kansas where he graduated high school in 1962. Gary married his high school sweetheart, Margaret "Kay" Matzen on August 08, 1964. To this union they raised two children in their home in Viola, Kansas.
Gary enlisted at the age of 21, following completion of light weapons infantryman course, officer candidate school, Infantry Officer Basic and Jungle Operations courses. He served in combat as an infantry rifle platoon leader in the 101st Airborne Division in the jungles of Vietnam. Some of his subsequent assignments included Company Commander, Battalion Executive Officer, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 137th Infantry and Assistant Operations Officer, 35th InfantryDivision. Gary retired as a Major. In addition to the Combat Infantry Badge, his decorations include Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and many other awards. After the U.S. Army, Gary spent the rest of his career working as a contractor until retirement. He loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren. Often times fishing, playing in the creek by their home, attending school events, and picking sand plums.
Gary is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, his parents, and his brother, Ray Appelman. He is survived by his children; Mike (Christie) Appelman, Karla (Bill) Voss, and sister; Joyce Sinclair. As well as 8 grandchildren; Kimberly Appelman, Spencer (Deanna) Basoco, Alex (Kayla) Basoco, Cheyenne Appelman, Shawnee Appelman, Colton (Ashley) Howell, Kaleb (Megan) Howell, Jacob Howell, and 8 great-grandchildren.
A service honoring the life of Gary Appelman will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 10:00 am at Garden Plain Community Church with lunch to follow at the senior center in Garden Plain.
A memorial is established with Wounded Warrior Project, P O Box 758514, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8514.