John Roland Appell Sr.

Published in Waco Tribune-Herald from January 11 to January 12, 2011

John Roland Appell Sr., of Waco, passed away Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, at Providence Hospital.

Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at First United Methodist Church of Waco with the Rev. Stephen Ramsdell officiating.

Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey.

Johnny was born Sept. 23, 1923, in Waco, to John and Frances Appell. He graduated from Waco High in 1941, where he lettered in basketball and track, and then attended Baylor University, where he played basketball and baseball.

He was just a teenager at Waco High in the 1930's when he was invited to play with the long-established R.C. Cola team in Waco's Major League Division. Johnny played baseball for the Waco Dons and the Big State League. After that, he played semi-pro softball which resulted in a World's Championship in 1951.

He was inducted into the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame in 2003.

Johnny was a Sergeant in U.S. Army during WWII, serving as an MP. He was president of the Baylor Waco Foundation in 1977, a member of the Letterman's Club, and the Baylor Bear Foundation. Johnny was a 75 year member of First United Methodist Church of Waco, was chairman of many committees and boards, and he led the fundraising drive in 1962 to move the church to its present location.

He was co-owner of Gene Ives Acoustic and Tile Co. for 20 years.Johnny retired in 1985.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Beth Appell; son, John Roland Appell Jr. of Waco; and daughter, Suzanne Appell of Arlington. Pallbearers will be Don Barnett, Billy Jackson, Rusty Sample, Jack Stewart Jr., Dick Wooten and Don Young.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Bob Walker and Paul Marable Sr. Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels at First United Methodist Church.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.

Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com