Dr. Francis R. Applegate, Jr.

Dr. Francis R. Applegate, Jr.

Dr. Francis R. Applegate, Jr., 92, Hays, died Sunday, February 27, 2022, at HaysMed surrounded by his family following a long battle with cancer.

He was born January 30, 1930 in Kansas City, Missouri the oldest child of Francis R. Sr. and Charlieann Applegate. He was a graduate of Shawnee Mission High School and earned his doctorate at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

Francis, or as most people called him, Ted, was dedicated to his work.  Ted spent time in the U.S. Army as a resident anesthesiologist.  Following the Army, he began working in family practice when he then made the decision to become an ophthalmologist, moving the family to Oklahoma City while he attended The University of Oklahoma School of Medicine.  Finally, settling in Hays, he helped open Eye Specialists where he practiced until he retired.

Through his years of practice and into retirement, Ted never missed his children’s or grandchildren’s activities. He was a man of many hobbies, some of which include, beekeeper, candlemaker, carpenter, winemaker, quilter, and teacher, but most remember him for his passion for playing bridge and making bread.

Some of his grandchildren’s favorite memories include him delivering dictionaries to the fifth graders of USD 489, reading to the kindergarteners at Lincoln Elementary school where he was given the nickname of Grandpa Ted E. Bear, and teaching several cooking classes at Hays High School.

Survivors include his wife; Haven Applegate of Hays, son; Troy Applegate and wife Connie of Celina, Texas, grandchildren; Kalee, Courtney, and Koby Daily, Alexandra and Ashley Applegate, and Brooke and Sadie Fox, and brother; Alan Applegate of Roswell, New Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his parents Francis R. Sr. and Charlieann Applegate, brothers; Rodney and Evan Applegate, and children; Darin Applegate, Kirsten Daily, and Noelle Fox.  

A Memorial Service will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Brant Rice officiating.  Inurnment will follow in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until service time.  Memorials are suggested in Dr. Applegate’s memory to the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City.  Condolences and memories of Dr. Applegate may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

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