Larry Joe Appelt, 63, of Hallettsville, passed away Oct. 18, 2013. He was born on Dec. 30, 1949 to Albert "Bub" & Alma "Tooter" Brocker Appelt Jr. in Hallettsville. He married Judy Wilde on June 18, 1977 at St. Boniface in Olfen, TX. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville.

Larry Joe enjoyed being outside. Whether it was under the hood of a car, digging out in the garden, down in the pasture, or tinkering in the garage, he was always happiest without 4 walls around him. He was a fan of auto racing regardless of the form but ironically hated fast drivers on the highway. Larry's 66 was his second home and often his first as he opened shop 365 days a year closing early for holidays and "special events". He also gave many young men their first experience working a job and for some, the most fun place they've ever worked. Larry enjoyed many a Lone Star Light with his buddies and they never seemed to run out of things to talk about. He was an awesome father and loving husband and instilled strong values such as dedication, honesty and hard work to his children. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. "So Long"

Larry is survived by: his wife Judy; 2 sons, Derek Appelt & wife Alexandra of Round Rock, and Scott Appelt of Hallettsville; daughter Kelli Tavarez & husband Eli of Austin; brother Richard L. Appelt & wife Donna of Victoria; sister Mildred Sitka of Victoria; and 2 grandchildren, Jackson Appelt and Nathan Tavarez.

Larry was preceded in death by: his parent, brother Michael W. Appelt, and sister Faye Nell Appelt.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Sunday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Sunday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Msgr. John Peters. Pallbearers: Richard Montgomery, Rick Appelt, Clint Wilde, Randy Haas, Lawrence Henke, Robbie Armstrong, Palmer Sommer, and Marvin Denison. Memorials: M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Dewitt-Lavaca Special Olympics, or donor's choice Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.