John P Applegate

Surrounded by his loving family, John P. Applegate, a lifetime resident of Rogers, peacefully breathed his last breath on Thursday evening, Jan. 12, 2012, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. Born in 1923, he was the son of Charles S. Applegate and Helen P. Applegate. Following his graduation from Rogers High School in 1941, John attended the University of Texas at Austin as a pharmacy major — intending to follow in his father’s and his grandfather’s footsteps as the pharmacist/owner/operator of Applegate’s Drug Store on First Street in Rogers. World War II interrupted his studies. John served in the Navy as a pharmacist’s mate on ships stationed in the Pacific Ocean. Three months after his discharge from the Navy, he married the love of his life, Lillian L. Russell, on June 2, 1947. Their love has remained strong for 65 years of marriage. After he graduated with a degree in pharmacy from the University of Texas, John and Lil returned to Rogers, where John joined his father at Applegate Drug. John was a loving husband, dedicated father, loyal son and respected pharmacist. After he sold “the business but not the building” to John and Jo Lewis in 1964, John and Lil took their first long vacation in 20 years and drove to California with their two sons. Upon their return from that 30-day trip, John assumed his role as relief-pharmacist for pharmacists all over Northwest Arkansas. He had learned during his years as a sole proprietor how difficult it was for a pharmacist to find qualified, trusted peers willing to work on an as-needed basis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Helen Applegate; his brother, Dr. C. Stanley Applegate of Springdale; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins — including pharmacist Joe Applegate of Bentonville. Survived by his wife of 65 years, Lillian; two sons, Bruce Applegate and wife, Ann, of Springdale, Doug Applegate and wife, Rhea, of Rogers; four grandchildren, Jordan Applegate and daughter, Sienna, of Spanaway Wash., Logan Applegate and wife, Chris, of Cleveland, Ohio, Sarah Applegate of Fayetteville and Heather Applegate Paul and husband, John Paul, of Fayetteville. He is also survived by nephew, C.S. “Trip” Applegate and wife, Jan, of Bella Vista; niece, JoAnne Applegate Vogt and husband, Chester, of Millstadt, Ill.; grand-niece, Emily Vogt; and grand-nephews, Michael Vogt and Jason Applegate. A family graveside service was held on Monday afternoon, Jan. 16, 2012, at Rogers Cemetery. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Circle of Life Hospice; NWA Food Bank; Samaritan Community Center; or any Northwest Arkansas charity dedicated to helping others.