Colonel E.C. Al Apel took his final flight to Heaven from Georgetown, Texas on July 20, 2019.
Born on November 13, 1931 in Berea Ohio, he finished college at Ohio University. There, he was a standout football player and was a member of ROTC. He was accepted into the Air Force where he went to flight school and absolutely loved flying many different planes from Fighters, Bombers to his favorite C-130 cargo and rescue planes. He served over 30 years in the military and logged more than 10,000 hours flight time. He received numerous awards including Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal, to name a few. Al retired as Commander of the 924th Tactical Airlift Group at Bergstrom AFB.
He is most proud of his family and felt blessed to marry the love of his life, Patricia J. Barnett, on February 2, 1957. Together they had 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. His family brought him great pride and he loved spending time with them and telling stories. Pat and Al were married for 56 years and were privileged to travel to many locations including Japan with their family.
Col Apel is preceded in death by his Parents, Elmer and Verna; His wife Patricia; Sister Lois Kasper and Granddaughter Katie Hicks.
He is survived by Daughter Julie and husband Everett Hicks, Daughter Sandra Gibson, Daughter Dawn and husband Kevin Blusher and Son Gregory Apel- 7 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren, Sisters Maxine Shuran and Linda Yohon, and some wonderful nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville on August 17, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of your choice in his honor.
