Jay Myron Appleton, 85

Jay Myron Appleton, 85, of Sedalia, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2015, at his home.

He was born December 24, 1929, in Denver, CO, son of Julius Myron and Ida Catherine Herr Appleton.

On June 29, 1955, he married Jane L. Hawley of Laurens, Iowa.

Jay was a Petty officer third class stationed aboard the USS Lipan in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He served from 1948-1952.

He entered Denver University in 1952 and graduated with a BS degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation in 1955 he went to work for Conoco Oil for 13 years as District Sales Representative beginning in Colorado.  Jay later transferred to North Platte, Nebraska in 1960 and Sedalia, Missouri in 1962.

In 1968, he went to Central Missouri State Teachers College (now known as UCM) and earned his master’s degree. He then began teaching business courses at the newly opened State Fair Community College in 1969 and continued for 28 years until his retirement in 1997.  He was also the first soccer coach for State Fair Community College.

He was an avid reader and enjoyed learning about history.  He played golf and bridge and also taught others how to play bridge. He was also involved in the Khoury Soccer League (Now Paul Klover), coaching and refereeing for 15 years.  He was a member of First Christian Church, Sedalia, where he served as a deacon and elder.  He loved and owned standard poodles!

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Charles Appleton and wife, Katherine, of Warrensburg, MO; Bret Appleton and wife Debbie, of Sedalia, MO; five grandchildren, Janine Appleton, Charles David Appleton and wife, Bailey; Jason Appleton and wife, Ann; Donelle Walterbach and husband, Mark; and Jeremy Appleton; and three great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Lexi Appleton and Leona Walterbach.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held at Heckart Funeral Home, Friday, May 15 at 11:00 am, with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 am.

There will be a private burial at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO, immediately following the funeral.

Donations may be made in Jay's memory to the State Fair Community College Foundation to be used for Student Scholarships.