Tom Appling was born September 22, 1918 in Wichita Falls to Lela and Walter Scott Appling. He died on March 9, 2012 in Austin. After finishing high school at The Methodist Home in Waco and business school, Tom served in the Navy in WWII and was awarded the Purple Heart and other service medals after his ship was torpedoed and sank.
He began a career in the paint business in West Texas, living in Lubbock, Wichita Falls, and Vernon. Tom and his family moved to Austin where he was in the Bridge Division of the Texas Highway Department, retiring in 1984. Many retirement days were spent playing golf with his friends, rounding up the carts and balls and 'it never rained on the golf course'. In recent years he, along with many retirees, made the Allandale HEB a headquarters to have coffee, visit, and get acquainted with the staff.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years Betty L. Appling. He is survived by his son, Tommy R. Appling and grandson, Tom R. Appling, all of Austin.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 13th at Austin Memorial Park on Hancock Drive.