Wilbur G. "Wil" Applegate

Wilbur G. Applegate, age 86, of Rogersville, Mo passed away July 23, 2024 at Mercy Hospital Springfield surrounded by his family. Wil was born to Frank and Jean Applegate on May 7, 1938 in Omaha, Nebraska where he grew up. Wil was united in marriage to Sandy Bivens on August 27, 1955 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Wil and Sandy shared almost 69 years of marriage. Wil proudly served in the Marine Corps for 20 years before retiring, including serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. Wil and Sandy raised two daughters together. When he was younger he enjoyed boating, water skiing, fishing, and hunting. After he retired he spent most of his time with church activities and helping family and friends. He loved the many friends he made over the years at various churches. One thing Wil was well known for was always carrying an old red handkerchief and you might even find one tucked in his suit pocket at church. He always loved being outdoors and mowing his five acres. Most people would say that Wil never met a stranger, always had a smile on his face, had a great personality, and people loved him. He was quite the jokester. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Wil was preceded in death by his father, Frank Applegate and mother Jean as well as sisters Sandra Applegate, Beverly Melcher, Joyce Wyman, and brother Steve Applegate, and daughter Cathy Ghazi. He is survived by his loving wife Sandy, twin sister Kay Van Roy, daughter Betty Ellen Crosby (John), grandsons Aaron Crosby (Missi), Jonathon Crosby (Sarah), granddaughter Elizabeth Montgomery (Zac), and great grandchildren Tyler and Ceanna Crosby, Jonah, Eli, and Abe Crosby, and Porter Montgomery. A visitation will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024 at 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, Springfield. Burial will take place at White Oak Cemetery, Rogersville, Mo. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in Wil's memory to South Campbell Avenue Baptist Church for a new fellowship hall.