James Appleberry's Obituary
James Donald Appleberry, son of Walter and Lilly Swanigan Appleberry, was born December 24, 1949, in Lebanon, Missouri. He departed this life Monday, March 7, 2011, in his home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of sixty-one years, two months, and thirteen days. On July 7, 1994, he was united in marriage to Cheryl Renee? Westland, and they shared the last sixteen years. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Lonnie, Herbert, Lee, Clay, and Lloyd Appleberry; and a sister, Ruby Davis. Donald is survived by his wife, Cheryl, of the home; three daughters, Becka Appleberry, of Springfield, Missouri, Amy Grier, and her husband, Jim, of Rockaway Beach, Missouri, and Lily Appleberry, of the home; two sons, Donald Appleberry, and Benjamin Appleberry, both of the home; six grandchildren, Meranda, Nora, Naomi, Madison, Josiah, and Jacob; a great-grandchild, Hayden; a brother, Larry Appleberry, and his wife, Gaylee, of Lebanon, Missouri; five sisters, Mary Jane Johnson, and her husband, Everett, of Lebanon, Missouri, Edith Flanary, and her husband, James, of Bolivar, Missouri, Betty Bittle, and her husband, Wendell, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, Shirley Baney and Sharon Monahan, both of Lebanon, Missouri; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was born and raised in the Lebanon area, and attended Lebanon R-III Schools. He then served his country faithfully in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He saw five tours of duty in Vietnam and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He returned to Lebanon, where he worked for the H. D. Lee Company for fourteen years. He then owned and operated D.J. Auto Recyclers for over twenty years. He was employed by F.E.M.A. and the City of Lebanon before starting Lebanon Taxi Service, which he operated for several years. Donald had made his profession of faith in Christ and was a member of the Tabernacle of Living God Church. He greatly enjoyed being outdoors where his favorite activities were hunting for coon and rabbits, and fishing. His family was always the most important part of his life and he especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Donald was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them throughout the years.
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