Bernard Edward "Bennie" Appleton Jr.

On November 14, 2017 Bennie ended his long, and somewhat challenged, journey to Our Father at the age of 90. Bennie was the loving husband of Jacqueline B. Appleton; beloved father of Linda (Jerry) Bordelon, Shirley Guy and the late Bernard E. Appleton, III; and grandfather of Jay Bordelon, Michael Appleton, and the late Christopher Appleton. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, his brother and sisters-in-law, and more nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews that we can count, along with many treasured friends. Bennie was the son of the late Alice Appleton, grandson of the late Catherine Murphy, brother of the late Robert Appleton, Sr., and brother-in-law of the late Gregory Richard Burke and Jeffrey Stephen Burke. Bennie was extremely proud to have served with the First Marine Division in combat in the Pacific during World War II, having lied about his age to enlist to serve his country at the age of 16. His company served in the battles at Peleliu, Pavuvu, and later went to Okinawa before returning to San Diego after the war was ended. He was one of only two surviving members of his company. After the War Bennie enlisted in the Navy SeeBees for a short period of time in New Orleans, and then began working for Greyhound Lines. He served as a baggage agent, steward, coach operator, union representative, and Union President for Division 1174 of the Amalgamated Transit Union. Bennie retired from Greyhound in 1980 as Union President due to health issues. Bennie was blessed to enjoy almost 37 years of retirement. Despite many health challenges, he loved fishing on his boat out of Delacroix Island – often three times a week - and sharing his talent of catching fish with lots of friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed taking numerous trips with Jackie attending the Indianapolis 500 nine years in a row; traveling to locations in Europe and the Middle East; cruises out of New Orleans, Galveston and Alaska; and to re-unions of his Marine Division at various locations in the United States for more than 25 years. Hosting the re-union of his Marine Division here in Metairie in 2014 was a highlight of his life and a memorable event enjoyed by all who attended. This "extended" Marine family came from as far away as Spain, and here in the U.S. from Oregon, California, Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Georgia, and Minnesota to join us and all who attended enjoyed our "Southern hospitality". It was truly a blessing!! The quality of Bennie's life is the result of his wonderful and caring physicians at Ochsner. A special thanks to Drs. Chip Lavie, Richard Deichmann, Pierre Blemur and Freddy Abi-Samra. And his end-of-life care was entrusted to the wonderful staff of Notre Dame Hospice. Bennie loved his Catholic faith, guided early on by the inspiration and direction of his mom who, for many years, volunteered at Our Lady of Guadalupe parish. Her funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Peter Rogers in 1976. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, on Friday, November 17, 2017, starting at 10:00 AM, followed by a Mass in the Chapel at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery #2. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities or Masses preferred. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online, at www.greenwoodfh.com