Douglas E. Applegate, 93, of Vanceburg, passed away Monday, August 17, 2026, at his home with his loving family by his side.
He was born July 8, 1933, in Lewis County, a son of the late Ralph and Helen Louise McCann Applegate.
Douglas attended Morehead State University, where he earned his master’s degree. He was a veteran of the United States Army, proudly serving his country from 1955 to 1957.
Douglas began working for the Lewis County school system in 1957 as a teacher at Lewis County High School before becoming principal. He later served as educational supervisor before returning to work directly with students as principal at Foster Meade Technical Center. He later drove a school bus until his retirement after 53 years of service to Lewis County schools.
He grew up farming and was an avid golfer. He was an active member of Vanceburg United Methodist Church and enjoyed buying and selling cars. He also worked as an accountant for Vanceburg Motor Company for 20 years and prepared tax returns for several clients until his recent illness.
Douglas was a 33rd Degree Mason and was due to receive his 50-year pin this year. He was a member of Stone City Lodge No. 963 at Garrison and El Hasa Shrine at Ashland. He mentored many people throughout Lewis County. Most of all, he dearly loved his family, adored his grandchildren, enjoyed spending time with them, and was always ready for a good meal.
Survivors include his daughter, Holly Ann (Tracy) Erwin of Morehead; three sons, Mike (Kathy) Applegate and Steve (Deana) Applegate of Vanceburg, and Kendall (Dana) Applegate of South Shore; his granddaughter, Amanda Lewis, whom he raised; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Many other family members and friends will sadly miss him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Nancy Lee Esham Applegate, on February 2, 2021; twin sisters, Connie Hooper and Carol Hawes; and another sister who died in infancy.
Services will be at Noon Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Vanceburg United Methodist Church with Bro. Richard Ginn and Bro. Keith Blankenbeckler officiating. Burial will follow in Lewis County Memory Gardens at Black Oak. Military graveside rites will be accorded by Monte Lewis Stamm VFW Post 5438.
Friends may visit from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 19, at Gaydos Funeral Home in Vanceburg, with Masonic rites at 7:00 p.m. Friends may also visit after 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Vanceburg United Methodist Church.
Pallbearers will be Steve Applegate, Mike Applegate, Scott Lewis, Mikie Applegate, Kendall Applegate, and Jacob Bruch. Marshall Applegate will serve as honorary pallbearer.
Condolences may be sent at gaydosfh.com.
