Obituary of Fred L. Applegarth

            Fred L. Applegarth, the son of John E. Applegarth and Ruby Irene (Boston) Applegarth, was born August 2, 1938 in rural Morrowville, Kansas and passed away on October 6, 2025 at the Belleville Health Care Center, Belleville, KS at the age of 87.

            Fred grew up and attended school in Morrowville, graduating from Morrowville High School in 1956.    Following his graduation, he worked for Western Union in Newton, Kansas for a short time and later for the Missouri Pacific & Burlington Northern Railroads for 9 years.     He then moved to Seward, NE where he was employed at Gambles Department Store.   In 1973, he returned to Morrowville, where he farmed and drove trucks for Canning Trucking.    

            In 1982, he became an ordained minister with the Christian Church, serving congregations in LaJunta, CO; Edison, NE; Fairbury, NE; Florence, KS; Clyde, KS; Longton, KS; and Smith Center, KS for a combination of 35 years.

            On September 27, 1959, he was united in marriage to Marilyn M. Naylor and the couple made their home in Morrowville.

            Fred was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruby Applegarth; infant daughter, Becky Lynn; and 11 siblings.

            He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Applegarth, of Morrowville, KS; children,  Jim (Rose) Applegarth of Morrowville, KS,  Donna (Brad) Portenier of Washington, KS,  Connie (Marty) Singleton of St. George, KS, and Kathy (Gary) Roberts, of Hebron, NE;  14 grandchildren;  20 great grandchildren;  2 sisters, Dorothy Kershner of Columbus, OH and Wilma Naylor of Lincoln, NE; nieces and nephews; his Church families and friends, other relatives, and friends.

            Cremation was selected and memorial services will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Morrowville Christian Church.   Family inurnment at the Faith Lutheran East Cemetery, Seward, NE. at a later date.  

            Family and Friends may gather at the Church immediately following the service where a light lunch and desserts will be served.

            A memorial is suggested to the Morrowville Christian Church and they may be sent in care of the funeral home to P.O. Box 326, Belleville, KS  66935.

            Online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com

            Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home 1322, 19th Street, Belleville, KS is assisting the family with the arrangements.