Robert Louis Appel

Robert "Bob" Louis Appel, age 78, passed away on November 1, 2008 in Gulfport. He was a native of New Orleans and moved to the Gulf Coast in 1991. He was a graduate of Alcee Fortier High School in New Orleans and the School of Engineering at Louisana State University. After graduation he was given his commission with the U.S. Army and he served for two years in Europe and six years in the active reserves attaining the rank of Captain. After serving his country he returned to New Orleans to begin his career with Sharp Electric, Inc. where he later became co-owner and President. A registered electrical engineer in the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, he engaged in commercial and industrial electrical contracting across the Gulf South for over forty years. He especially cherished the relationships he had with his long term clients such as Shell Oil, Amoco, Exxon, FNBC Bank, Stennis Space Center, and Keesler Air Force Base. Mr. Appel was a member of Trinity Methodist Church as well as numerous civic, professional and social organizations including the Gulfport Gridiron Club, Gulfport Rotary Club, Gulfport Business Club, the Gulfport Yacht Club, the Jefferson Parish LSU Alumini Association, New Orleans Electrical Association, Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity and the National Electrical Contractors Association. A Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International, he was also inducted into the Academy of Electrical Contracting in 1990. Mr. Appel was a Past Master and life member of Hiram Lodge #70 in New Orleans, a member of the Gulfport Scottish Rite Consistory, New Orleans Commanderie and Joppa Shrine Temple. He is preceded in death by parents, Conrad H. Appel and Irma Martin Appel, two sisters Shirley Nichel and Irma Lee Appel, and brother Conrad H. Appel, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Kay J. Appel of Gulfport, his four children Steven Appel of Hot Springs , Arkansas; Kurt Appel (Claudia) and Eddie Appel (Julie) of Gulfport and Anna Lisa Latino (Steven) of Mandeville Louisiana; his grandchildren Meg Appel, Olivia Appel, Blake Appel, Morgan Appel, Melanie Appel, Madeline Appel, Steven Latino, Kay Lee Latino, and Christian Latino. The family wishes to thank the staff of M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas, as well as Memorial Hospice and PDN both of Gulfport, for their compassionate care of Mr. Appel over the past several years. And a special thanks to PDN caregivers Patricia Wingo and Norlie Wardell for their care and friendship during the last year. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 5007 Lawson Ave, Gulfport, MS 39507, or to one's favorite charity in memory of Robert L. Appel. The funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 at Trinity United Methodist Church Law where friends may visit from 9:30 A.M. until the service. Entombment will follow in Floral Hill Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register at www.bradfordokeefe.com