Wilburn Kenneth Applegate, 101, of Maysville, formerly of Ribolt, died peacefully at his home Saturday, July 4, 2026, on America’s 250th birthday and one month shy of his 102nd birthday.
Born August 4, 1924, he was a son of the late Harry Lee and Queenie Pearl Spence Applegate.
A Christian, he attended Mt Tabor Church in Ribolt.
Applegate was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving with Company E, 103rd Infantry Division during World War II. As a member of the famed “Cactus Division,” he served in the European Theater during the final months of the war, helping liberate occupied communities and defend freedom abroad.
Following his military service, he established WK Applegate Construction, later renamed Applegate Construction when his son joined the business. A respected mason and contractor, he left his craftsmanship in numerous homes, businesses, and other buildings throughout Lewis and Mason counties.
He enjoyed camping, golf, bowling, driving his side-by-side across the family farm, traveling with his family, sharing meals together, and stopping by his son’s business. In his final months, he was surrounded by the love of his family and devoted caregivers. His faith in Jesus Christ and dedication to his family formed the foundation of a life that spanned more than a century.
Survivors include three daughters, Jacqui (Randy) Harrison of Tollesboro, Melanie Hendrickson of Maysville, and Penny Boden (Jerry Ruggles) of Tollesboro; one son, Terry (Gigi) Applegate of Maysville; one sister, Pat (Jack) Hobbs of Florida; one sister-in-law, Alice Applegate of Ohio; nine grandchildren, Nichole (Terron) Routt, Natalie Harrison (Joey Clayborn), Kyla (Mark Wombles), Kinley Hendrickson (Katie Blakefield), Justin Marie Applegate, Braun (Lora) Applegate, Harrison (Anna) Applegate, Jenna (Josh) Bryan, and Cole Boden; 16 great-grandchildren, Jacailin Routt, (David Mingo), Dravin Routt (Alisha French), Teegin Routt, Nariyah Harrison (Gavin Cracraft) and Neisan Harrison, Dalaynie, Liam, Cora, and Neva Wombles, Arabella, Emory, and Duke Applegate, Isabella and Rosemary Applegate, and Becca and Journie Bryan; and one great-great-granddaughter, Brielle Routt.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Geneva “Jenny” Applegate; one daughter, Deborah Joy Applegate; one son-in-law, Roger Hendrickson; one great-granddaughter, Aniston Applegate; two sisters, Dewilda Flo Hull and Agnes Hicks; and one brother, Boyd Applegate.
He lived a long, amazing, and blessed life, leaving behind a legacy for family and friends, sharing his love and faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Services will be at 3:00 p.m. Thursday at Tollesboro Funeral Home and Cremation Services with burial in Mt. Tabor Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded at the cemetery.
Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour Thursday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Kinley Hendrickson, Braun Applegate, Harrison Applegate, Cole Boden, Dravin Routt, and Teegin Routt. Honorary pallbearers will be Neisan Harrison and Liam Wombles.
Memorials are suggested to Mt Tabor Church or Mt Tabor Cemetery and may be mailed to 373 Garrad Road, Tollesboro, KY 41189.
Condolences may be left at www.globefamilyfc.com.
