Alex Applewhite

Isaac Alexander Applewhite died peacefully in Hamilton on February 28, 2024. He was born in Eden, Texas June 11, 1926, the third of five boys born to Isaac Alexander Applewhite and Velma Wood Applewhite. Alex patiently endured carrying around a name too long to be written on a birth certificate. Alex was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Velma Applewhite, his brothers, Charles Applewhite and wife Elizabeth, Jack Applewhite and wife JoAnn, Billy Applewhite, and Gene Applewhite.

He is survived by his sister in law Mae Applewhite and several nieces and nephews and their families.

Upon graduating from Paint Rock High School, he and some friends immediately enlisted in the navy, went to boot camp and then to aviation radio school before being sent to Guam in the South Pacific. On Okinawa, where Marines were fighting, Alex was issued a ’38, the first one he had ever seen. After WWII ended, He was stationed in China and Japan for occupation duties before leaving the Navy.

In 1949, Alex reenlisted in the Navy as an aviation radio operator. He served on three different air craft carriers, and could still remember the terror of trying to land on a sea tossed ship during the Korean War. He said that American and British sailors sometimes exchanged morning mess, but he didn’t care for the cold fish breakfasts the Brits so enjoyed. One good memory was that they were issued one shot of brandy every PM. Alex served seven years total before leaving the navy and beginning his varied work career. He was a rural mail carrier, a barber, and an employee Yale Lock Company where he would travel to banks that needed his services to open their vaults. His favorite job was being a tourist bus driver, taking groups to see the historic national parks. He loved that job because he got to meet and visit with lots of different people and drive; his two favorite pass times.

Alex and his brother, Gene Applewhite lived in Austin many years before buying some land and cattle near Evant. Upon their retirement, they decided to buy a house in Hamilton and lived there together. Alex became active in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Hamilton and delivered Meals on Wheels and provided medical transportation for people 60 and over. Alex and Gene were both members of the Perry Country Club, and Alex was fortunate to have been able to play golf until recent years. Alex would encourage young people to start a hobby that they could still enjoy in their later years. Alex loved the Hamilton Bulldogs, and attended their games until he couldn’t navigate the bleachers any more.

After Alex lost his hearing, he decided that he was relieved not to have to listen to politics or Judge Judy!

Alex was elated when the Oklahoma casinos opened up and would go alone, sometimes going and coming home the same day.

He was an avid reader and loved the Hamilton Public Library.

Alex lived alone after losing his brother Gene, but he had a large circle of friends he would visit often and freely offered advice on any problems one might have. Alex truly believed in sharing each other’s burdens.

Alex was a truly unique individual who touched many lives and will be dearly missed.