Arnold Raymond Apprill

Arnold Raymond Apprill, 70, of Kansas City, MO, passed away on October 23, 2012. Private family services will be held. Burial will be in Higginsville Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO, with full military honors.

Arnold was born May 1, 1942, in Kansas City, MO to Raymond J. and Doris J. (Christian) Apprill. He attended The University of Missouri Rolla School of Mines and Metallurgy, where his lifelong love of elements of the earth began. As a member and vice-president of the Independence Gem and Mineral Society, he shared his passion and knowledge with fellow “Rock Hounds”. He hunted rocks in several mountain ranges from digging for diamonds in Arkansas to panning for gold in Colorado. He collected thousands of gem and mineral specimens in his frequent travels across the country.

Arnold proudly served in the United Stated Air Force. He was a military, aviation, and mining buff, driving annually to several air shows. He felt honored to be present at the final space shuttle launch in Florida. He loved taking photos on his trips and could have filled a library with his shots of planes, antique cars, and nature. Arnold retired from the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant where he was an inspector in the gauge lab.

He doted on his nieces and nephews and their children. Uncle Arnie was a favorite among them. Everyone who came in contact with Arnold recognized that he was a gentle, kind man.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his brother Paul (Kathy) Apprill of Overland Park, KS, his sister Mary Ann (Dick) O’Neill of Thornton, CO, five nieces and nephews and four grandnieces and nephews.