Robert Miles Appleberry

Robert Miles Appleberry -- born October 31, 1938 in Springfield, MO to Robert Merrel Appleberry and Willma Cowden Appleberry -- passed away on August 18, 2021 surrounded by his family. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication and love of family.

Bob grew up in Kansas City, graduating from Central High School in 1956. He attended Kansas City Junior College, then continued his education at Missouri School of Mines in Rolla (today known as Missouri University of Science and Technology). He graduated in 1962 with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and went on to achieve his masters in engineering from the University of Kansas. After school, Bob worked for Remington Arms and then Smith and Loveless, before beginning a career at the US Army Corp of Engineers in downtown KC, retiring as head of the Civil Engineering department in 1997.

Bob married Dorothy Kay Gardner on Sept. 12, 1964, a union that lasted nearly 57 years. They enjoyed boating, water skiing, and gardening. They raised two children, Susan Widick (Darrin) and Rob Appleberry (Rachelle), both of Lee’s Summit, Mo. They have five grandchildren: Abbey and Allie Widick, and RJ, Ashley, and Robby Appleberry. Together Kay and Bob spent many wonderful days with the grandkids going to the root beer stand and having weenie roasts in their backyard.

Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting, and raising his prized English Pointer bird dogs — the last one making a visit to Bob at Kansas City Hospice House. Bob enjoyed a long retirement, spent golfing with friends and fishing with Kay at Truman Lake. He loved hunting trips with his dogs and son Rob and eating daughter Susan’s homemade lemon pie. He was a mason and belonged to Eastgate Lodge in Kansas City. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and Ararat Shrine. He was a member of Eastgate Christian Church in Independence.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and aunt Lela Meredith. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren. A private graveside service will be held at Floral Hills Cemetery. In leu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Kansas City Hospice House.