Robert Donald Apple

Dad passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. He was born on July 20, 1926 in Holdenville, Oklahoma to Clarence Opal Apple and Mabel Elizabeth Broughton, the 2nd of 3 boys. Dad came from very humble beginnings and learned the value of hard work which he instilled in each of his children. He spent his childhood years in Oklahoma, before joining the Air Force in 1944. That brought him to Utah, where he met mom at a roller rink and they were married 7 weeks later. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on their 8th wedding anniversary. They were married for more than 70 years before mom’s passing in 2016. Dad missed mom terribly and regardless of what the death certificate says, he died of a broken heart. We know that there was a joyful reunion in heaven at his passing.
Before moving to Taylorsville, mom and dad lived for many years in downtown Salt Lake and had many dear friends in the Harvard South Ward. Dad worked at many jobs over the years, but finally settled down as a firefighter and EMT for Salt Lake City, while painting and plastering homes part time. Dad’s life was rich with service and he spent a lot of time fixing cars and painting homes at no charge for relatives, friends and widows. Though a convert, Dad served in many church capacities, including high councilor and ordinance worker, with his favorite calling being at the bishop’s storehouse filling food orders. Dad worked hard and played harder. He played various sports and was state handball singles and doubles champ for many years. Recently he was inducted into the Utah Handball Hall of Fame. He loved Flaming Gorge and the family spent many wonderful summers there camping, fishing and waterskiing. Dad was also very musical, playing the cornet in the High School band when he was only 10 years old. He had a beautiful singing voice and was part of many quartets and choirs. Dad was never happier than when kids and grandkids were at the house and playing a game of Hearts.
Dad is survived by his six children: Barbara (Chuck) Dews, Steve (Glenda) Apple, Laury (Paul) Tuttle, Annette Apple, Ilene (Layne) Strong, and Robert Apple Jr. He leaves behind a wonderful posterity of 18 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
A viewing will be held from 6:30-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 18th, at the Bennion Ward Chapel at 5980 South 1300 West, in Taylorsville. Funeral services will be held at Noon on Monday, March 19th, at the Bennion Ward Chapel, with a viewing prior to the services from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Interment at Redwood Memorial Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.memorialutah.com.
Service Information
Viewing March 18, 2018 at 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Bennion Ward 5980 South 1300 West Taylorsville, Utah 84123





Viewing March 19, 2018 at 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Bennion Ward 5980 South 1300 West Taylorsville, Utah 84123





Funeral Service
March 19, 2018 at 12:00 Noon
Bennion Ward 5980 South 1300 West Taylorsville, Utah 84123