Dr. Ronald E. Applegate

With great sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Husband, Father, Brother and dear Friend to all who were honored to have known him Ronald E. Applegate. Ron entered eternal life in his sleep on our Nations Independence Day at Memorial Hospital South Bend, Indiana, due to a progressive condition of Alzheimer's disease. 

    Ron was born in South Bend, Indiana to the unconditional loving, and encouraging parents of Mr. William and Mrs. Mayme Applegate of South Bend, Indiana. After graduating from Riley High School and been provided with awe-inspiring advice from his parents and older brother Dr. Dale Applegate.  Ron was driven by a passion to assist others and graduated from The Palmer College of Chiropractic ~ Class of 1972. Davenport, Iowa.

   After Graduation, Dr. Ronald E. Applegate Chiropractic clinics (Niles, MI, Salida, Colorado, and Colorado Springs, Colorado) were solely dedicated to his patients' health through a system of Bio-mechanical science technique known as the Dr. Clarence S. Gonstead method. In 1977, Ron married Beth Rosalie Elizabeth Kish. Then in a miraculous turn of events, Ronald and Beth were reading "Let Go & Let God ", which drew them toward another chapter of their lives to serve. Within one month, he sold his Chiropractic practice and found a new home at The Dr. Clyde Narramore Foundation located in Rosemead, California providing needed Christian mental health care to missionaries and those who live in areas where little or no psychological resources exist.

Rather than retirement and struggling with his will to serve others, Ron embarked on the great experiment with his son, Shane, to create a livery transportation and Limousine company. In Ron's 18 + years as a professional Chauffeur, he set the industry standards (still used by the industry today) for exceptional customer service, attention to detail and provided an unsurpassed client experience. 

Ronald Applegate, truly enjoyed the Colorado outdoors, from off road 4-wheel drives with his Family usually up to an abandoned crystal mine, to Snow Skiing with his sons Blair and Shane on the Rocky Mountain slopes. Ron absolutely loved Cruising to the Caribbean, especially if it involved a Snorkeling adventure. He was an avid reader of Clive Cussler novels, woodworking projects and John Wayne movies.

Ronald Applegate was a proud member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks & Optimist International Club.

Ronald Applegate is survived by his soul mate and wife of 45+ years marriage R. Beth Applegate, Brother Dr. Dale & Gloria Applegate of La Porte, Indiana, Son Blair & Araceli Applegate (Grandchildren Hadley, Ayrton) of Mission Viejo, California, Daughter Ann & Morris Furr (Grandchildren Alex, Christian, Ian) of Temecula, California, Daughter Nikki & David Simmons of Gilbert, Arizona, Son Shane & Pamela Blackford of Gulf Breeze, Florida, Grandson Nolan Blackford of Tallahassee, Florida as well as lifelong incredible friend, protagonist and sidekick Steve Georgi of Trout Creek, Montana.

Ronald Applegate's Celebration of Life ceremony followed by a buffet style dinner, with be held at a date and time to be determined at Gospel Center Missionary Church - 930 S. 30th Street, South Bend, Indiana 46617.

Strength etched for today: Blessed peace for tomorrow, let Ronald Applegate's beam of light shine bright. Love leaves memories no one can ever take. The Earths Loss is Heaven's gain - you will “never” find a more caring and giving man.

The Family requests in lieu of flowers all donations made, will go to Ronald Applegate's chosen charities, which were extremely close to this heart.

Gospel Center Missionary Church ~ 930 S. 30th Street, South Bend, Indiana 46617

 Gospel Center Missionary Church | HOME (gcmc.info)

Or 

Gary Sinise Foundation ~ PO Box 40726 · Nashville, TN · 37204

Make a Donation | Gary Sinise Foundation

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.