The Excelsior Standard, Feb. 24, 2023

Charles (Charlie) Apple, 60, of Excelsior Springs passed away peacefully on Feb. 20, 2023, at home.

He was born in North Kansas City to Claude and Betty Apple. He was raised in the Kansas City North area and graduated from Platte County High School. He then served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Baumholder, Germany, before returning

Charlie Apple

to Kansas City.

Charlie had a long career in the trucking industry, including driving the last 25 years for XPO Logistics. Charlie’s steadfast work ethic encouraged his fellow freight haulers to “put your coffee down and get your butts back to work.”

Charlie had many friends from all parts of his life and had a kind and compassionate spirit. He enjoyed deer, pheasant and quail hunting; fishing; traveling; good food; and music. Charlie also was a member of Park Hill Christian Church.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Diana Roberts; and father-in-law, Wesley Bland.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn; daughters, Courtney and Whitney Apple; grandsons, Nicholas, Kai, Alexander and Eisley; brothers, Ronald “RD” (Pam) Ballard, Steven Ballard; mother-in-law, Nancy Bland; brotherin- law, Timothy Bland; and numerous extended family members.

Per Charlie’s request, no memorial service will be held. Contributions in his memory may be made to Excelsior Springs Hospice; St. Jude Children’s Hospital; or Excelsior Springs Friends of Animals, P.O. Box 661, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss “There is a road, no simple highway between the dawn and the dark of night, and if you go, no one may follow. That path is for your steps alone.” – “Ripple” by The Grateful Dead