John L. "Johnny" Appleton died peacefully at his home on Thursday morning, January 15, 2004, at the age of 85. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2004, 2:00 PM at Trinity Baptist Church. Close friend and retired Baptist Minister, Dr. Claude Craven, and Pastor, Dr. Randy Cotton will be officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Memorial Park.Born in Baird, Texas on November 9, 1918 to James Henry and Jennie Appleton, he was the youngest of 5 children. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Ann; his brothers, Forrest, Eldon and Herman Appleton; his sister, Vivian Harvey; an infant son, John David Appleton and a granddaughter, Pam Christian.His family moved to Vincent, Texas in his early youth where he farmed with his father. After graduating from Big Spring High School, he later served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Fulton in the Pacific campaign of World War II.In 1947 he married Annie Ruth Butler in Coahoma, and began his career with the Texas and Pacific Railroad as a brakeman/conductor later moving to the Luther community. After 35 years, he retired from the railroad and continued with his farming and gardening. His love of life was to toil in the soil and everything he planted, grew.Loving his family, church, pets, rain, candy, hummingbirds and bluebonnets, he was also loved by many. He was generous.He is survived by his daughter, Linda Kay Appleton and daughter, Joy Dell Bryant both of Big Spring; 6 grandchildren and spouses, John Scott Hull, Travis and Jeannie Hull, Evan and Christy Eggleston, Terry and Tina Carey, Gary Carey, Debbie and Shawn Hayden; twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Also, his dear companion, Trouble. The family extends their appreciation to the three wonderful ladies from Odyssey Hospice, Linda Halliday, RN, Beverly Wren, RN and Linda Ruiz, CNA, who so lovingly cared for Mr. Appleton.The family will receive friends from 4 PM to 6 PM Sunday at the funeral home.The family suggests memorials to: Trinity Baptist Church, P. O. Box 1448, Big Spring, Texas 79721-1448.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
