Applebe

On Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, Edward Whately “Sonny” Applebe, loving husband, father, friend, and true Texas gentleman, passed away at age 91.

Sonny was born in Houston at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Sept. 10, 1929, to Dr. Edward Whately Applebe, Sr. and Alva (Cain) Applebe Moore. He was raised in Liberty where, as a young man, he enjoyed rodeo events including bareback riding, bull riding and bull fighting (rodeo clown). Apart from periods as co-owner of Applebe & Walls Texaco in La Porte and as the Sheriff of Liberty County, Sonny spent his life in the heavy equipment business and ranching. At the age of 80, Sonny earned his real estate license and joined his wife, Nancy, in farm and ranch real estate consulting.

Sonny brightened the room with his sparkling blue eyes and quick radiant smile while wearing short pants with cowboy boots and a hat – this was his style. Dancing “Sonny style” was his trademark on the dance floor. He enjoyed his annual gathering with his Vaquero brothers-FFL, sharing Bloody Maria’s with his family and friends, food accompanied by a bottle of Tabasco, playing 42, riding horses, telling stories, operating equipment, traveling to distant places to hunt or ride horses and so much more. Sonny was a character – truly one of a kind.

Sonny was proud to have served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corp Reserve. He was a Master Mason of Liberty Lodge No. 48; served in Rotary and Lions Clubs, volunteered with Trinity Valley Exposition; the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™ and was a member of the Tejas Vaquero Buclass of ’91, Salt Grass Trail Ride and Wagon 7. Sonny is preceded in death

Sonny is preceded in death by son, James Edward Applebe, son, Russell Applebe, daughter-in-law, Angie Applebe and daughter-in-law, Lyn Applebe.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Nancy (Rusk); brother, Dave Moore (Eddie Kilroy) and wife Elizabeth; daughter, Colleen Hicks and husband Michael “PeeWee;” son, Mabe Applebe; step-son, Benny Peacock; grandchildren, Clint Hicks and wife Carrie, James Applebe and wife Fefe, Jason Applebe and wife Yvonne, Jared Applebe, Jamison Applebe, Jordan Applebe and wife Jamie Marie; great-grandchildren, Hunter Hicks, Madison Applebe, Jackson Applebe, Nigella Applebe, James Antoinette Applebe, Joshua Applebe and Brooke Simpson.

A celebration of Sonny’s life is being planned for this Spring; details will be available soon.

In remembrance of Sonny, the family ask that trees be planted in his honor.

Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.