Richard L Appleton
Richard L Appleton
Obituary
Guest Book
Richard Appleton Obituary
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Rost Funeral Home in Mountain Home. Military honors-including flag presentation, taps, and a 21-gun salute-will be rendered in recognition of his faithful service to our country. A reception will follow at the American Legion Hall.
Richard was born on June 1, 1940, in Winnebago, Nebraska, to Harry and Eve (Whitt) Appleton. He married Lila Cleland on June 24, 1962, in Omaha, Nebraska. They shared 56 years of marriage until her passing.
Richard joined the United States Air Force in 1962. His military career took him to several Air Force bases, and after 24 years of dedicated service, he retired with the rank of Master Sergeant. He deeply loved his country and his community. Following retirement, Richard continued his service through the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), where he served as Commander for several years and as Adjutant up until his death. He was proud to bring Christmas to veterans at VA hospitals, participate in the Air Force Appreciation Parade, and lead numerous fundraisers in support of the DAV.
Richard is survived by his two sons, Michael A. Appleton and fiancée Paula of Mountain Home, Idaho, and David M. Appleton and wife Teresa of Nampa, Idaho; two grandsons, Coby and Wyatt, both of Nampa, Idaho; his brother, Rod Appleton of Winnebago, Nebraska; and his chosen family, Sid and Mary Tucker of Mountain Home, Idaho.
He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Lila M. Appleton; his parents, Harry and Eve Appleton; and his brother, Allen Appleton.
Richard will be remembered for his unwavering love and service to his country, his dedication to family and friends, and his lifelong commitment to giving back.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Richard's memory to DAV Chapter #17. Donations may be made at the services or reception on February 8, or by mail to DAV Chapter #17, P.O. Box 601, Mountain Home, ID 83647.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
500 North 18th East, Mountain Home, ID 83647
Make a Donation
in Richard Appleton's name
People and places connected with Richard
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Richard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Appleton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
