Harold W. Apple, 82, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025 in Saint Louis, Missouri. He was born on January 15, 1943 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Rufus William Apple and Eula Mae Gaulden. Upon graduating Central High School in OKC, Harold went to work for the Daily Oklahoman as a print setter. In 1963 he enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Bordelon. In 1968, Harold went to work for Goldspot Dairy and entered the University of Oklahoma as a Physical Education major. It was at Goldspot Dairy that he met the love of his life, Judy Pound. While they were dating, Judy introduced him to her church family and it was during their courtship that Harold gave his life to Jesus. They would marry in 1970. Just a few short months after getting married in 1971, Harold transferred to Central State University, now known as the University of Central Oklahoma, to complete his Bachelor's of Science Degree in Physical Education and History. In 1972, Harold's daughter was born. Harold taught for 4 years in Oklahoma City Public Schools at U.S. Grant High School. Then he went to work for Firestone Auto Care. He was a Store Manager for Firestone Auto Care for 31 years. He retired from Firestone in 2005.

Harold was an active member in his church, Airport Assembly of God, now known as Triumph Family Worship. At Airport Assembly, Harold drove for the bus ministry, taught Sunday School, served as a Deacon, and served as a member of the church choir. Harold was also a member of Gideons International. He loved going to witness and pass out Bibles. When Harold relocated to St. Louis, he attended TwinRivers Church under the direction of Pastor Joe Dobbins.

Harold enjoyed college sports, especially the Oklahoma Sooners. OU Football was his passion. In recent years, Harold became an avid OU Softball fan. He enjoyed researching his family connections on Ancestry.com, taking care of his dogs- Sadie and Sampson, taking care of his granddog, Solomon, board and computer games, and spending time with his family. Until he became ill, he loved to travel and see new things. Harold will be deeply missed.

He is preceded in death by:

Wife of 43 years, Judy P. Apple (Pound); Parents, Rufus William Apple and Eula Mae Gaulden; siblings, Rufus Floyd Apple, Norma Haggard-Cervantes, and Catherine Mae Chaffin.

He is survived by his loving:

Daughter, Shelly Crawford and husband Todd; Brother-in-Law, Rick Pound and wife Sonja; Nieces, Christine Browning and husband Brian, Debbie Hamidi and husband Feysal, Jenifer Bazzit and husband Moussa, Jaylynn Richardson and husband Doug, Dr. Jordan McNeil and husband Leo; Nephews, Joe Chaffin, Michael Apple and wife Margarita, Vincent Apple and wife Traci, Donnie Haggard and wife Kimberly, Joshua Pound. Along with numerous family and friends.

Special Thanks:

A special thanks goes out to Dr. Sagun Goyal, the Bone Marrow Transplant Team at St. Louis University Hospital, his BMT Coordinator, Cassidi and to the entire staff of St. Louis Hospital Chemo Treatment floor. Dr. Goyal went above and beyond to help Harold and his family navigate his disease. Her compassion is a true testament to her dedication and heartfelt affection for her patients.

A special thanks goes out to Harold's neighbors, Connie and Jeff Frahm. Their selflessness and giving spirit allowed Harold to travel to and from doctor appointments and receive assistance on short notice.