Harold "Gene" Applegate

Harold E. (Pastor Gene) Applegate departed this life on January 25, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born to parents Ernest Eugene and Marjorie Zee Applegate on March 27, 1933 in Mammoth Springs, Arkansas. He married Bonnie Lou Heath on August 1, 1952 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. To this union, three children were born; Ernest Eugene, Randy Lee and La Fawnda. Bonnie passed away in 1974. On September 25, 1976, he married Elizabeth Joy Fox in Denver, Colorado, who gave him three daughters: Shelli Kay, Andrea Suzanne and Alisa Dalene whom he raised as his own. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson. He leaves to mourn his passing: his wife Elizabeth, six children, sixteen grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren.

Directed into the ministry of God’s Word by the Holy Spirit, he preached his first sermon at the age of 17. He ministered in varied positions as youth director, associate pastor, and senior pastor of five churches. God privileged him with a radio and TV ministry. Upon retiring from pastoral ministry in 1996, he managed a Christian youth camp for three years. He, then, originated a weekly internet ministry, “Christian Living 101 Bible Studies” until the time of his passing. He felt very honored and blessed that God allowed him to teach His word for 71 years.

His final request: “Don’t weep over me! Rejoice! I have been promoted.”

A visitation for Gene will be held Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 12:00 PM at West Resthaven Funeral Home (6450 W. Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301) with a funeral service to follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.westresthavenfuneralhome.com for the Applegate family.