Bobby Joe Appelt Sr., 78, of Hallettsville, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, went to be with the Lord peacefully on Monday, June 11, 2012. He was born on Jan. 6, 1934 to Arthur & Lula Barnes Appelt in Overton, TX. He was a faithful member of the Mossy Grove Methodist Church, and also attended Salem Baptist Church with his wife Joyce.

Bobby's early life was spent in the Pearsall area, with summer visits to Hallettsville, where he visited with his relatives and a special cousin, Bill Barnes. Later he moved to Hallettsville, where he attended Hallettsville Public School and graduated in 1953.

After graduation, Bobby worked for a short time in the oil field, as well as Halliburton in Houston. In 1955, he married Joyce (Gregory) Appelt at the First Baptist Church of Hallettsville.

In 1955, Bobby volunteered for the US Army, where he served for 2 years. After an honorable discharge, he was employed by Shell Oil Co. at Providence City. His job later transferred his family to several locations. They lived in Texas, Utah, Montana, and New Mexico. After a career of 36 years with Shell Oil, Bobby retired, and the family moved back to the Ezzell area. He loved to live in the country, and spent many enjoyable hours deer hunting with his grandsons. He was with each of them, as they killed their first buck at the farm. Bobby also loved playing dominoes with friends and the weekly games, always having a great time whatever he was doing.

Bobby is survived by: his wife Joyce; daughter Pamela Kuntz & husband Val of Houston; son Bobby Appelt Jr. of Hallettsville; 3 grandsons, Wesley Appelt, Cody & Nick Kuntz; great grandson, Chase Matthew Appelt; and numerous nephews, nieces, and many other relatives and friends.

Bobby was preceded in death by: his parents; infant sister, Melba Jo Appelt; and 2 brothers, Arthur and Billy Appelt.

The family would like to acknowledge those who took special care of Bobby these last few days. First, the EMS of Hallettsville, the emergency room doctor and staff in Hallettsville, friends and family who were there to help. Then when he was transferred to Citizens Hospital in Victoria, two special doctors, Chief Cardiologist Dr. Junor and Dr. Llompart, as well as all the nursing staff. Our families who were there, at all times to support us. Our family has never experienced such love, and support as we were shown during this time. There are no words to express our humble thanks.

Funeral Service: 10 am, Thursday, June 14, 2012, at Kubena Funeral Home. Visitation: 4 pm, Wednesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiates: Rev. Lundy Hooten and Rev. Bodie Lerch. Pallbearers: Val Kuntz, Gary Appelt, Ronald Gergory, Morris "Buddy" McElroy, Jimmy Dvorak, and Dr. Joey Bonnot. Honorary Pallbearers: Wes Appelt, Cody Kuntz, Nick Kuntz, and Chase Matthew Appelt. Burial: Salem Cemetery. Memorials: Mossy Grove Methodist Church or Donor's choice.