Larry Leroy Appel

LARRY LEROY APPEL, age 66 of Grant, passed away Thursday, September 1, 2016 in rural Venango.

Larry was born July 5, 1950 at Scott City, Kansas to Raymond Jacob and Margaret Jean (West) Appel.  He graduated from Scott County High School with the class of 1968.  In 1984 he graduated from the University of Colorado in Ft. Collins with a degree in Agronomy.  In 1991 he received his Masters Degree in Entomology from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Larry was married to Bonnie Long on December 23, 1972 at Scott City, Kansas. Their union was blessed with 2 children, Zachary and Andrea. They moved to Grant in 1984.  Larry was a constant and steady presence in his family, patient, supportive, and caring.  In addition to attending all his children’s extra-curricular activities, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and hiking with his family. They spent many weekends at Lake McConaughy, boating, jet skiing, and having fun. When his life was blessed with grandchildren, Larry experienced a new and special kind of joy and happiness. Larry and Bonnie frequently traveled to visit their children and grandchildren, and they made many wonderful memories on trips the families took together.


After moving to Grant, Larry was employed as an Agronomist with Agro Serve for six years.  In 1990 he started Appel Crop Consulting, Inc. He built his business on honesty, hard work, and a sound knowledge of the agricultural industry. Larry loved the work, and over the years attended conferences and training to keep current with the latest research and technology.  He always maintained a focus on his clients and was well-respected as a local businessman.

Larry was a volunteer for the Perkins County Fire Department and EMS from 1992 through 2008, serving as Ambulance Captain from 1995 through 2008.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David and sister, June Palen.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie of Grant; children, Zachary (Erica) Appel of Evanston, WY, Andrea Tatum of Albuquerque, NM; 3 grandchildren, Gabriel Tatum, Amberlee Appel and Roan Appel; his siblings, Noreene Jaeger of Overland Park, KS, Sharon Appel of Denver, CO, Jim (JoDee) Appel and Terrance (Karen) Appel, all of Scott City, KS; mother-in-law, Gloria Long of Leoti, KS; brothers and sisters-in-law, Steve (Patricia) Long of Garden City, KS, Mary (Neal Mazer) Long of Albuquerque, NM, Lori (Eric) Batman Kennewick, WA, Todd (Diana) Long & Roger Long, all of Leoti, KS, Jim (Jeanne) Long of Houston, TX;  and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Larry was loved by  friends and family and will be greatly missed.


Memorials are suggested to the Perkins County EMS or the Perkins County Pool Project in Larry’s memory. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com or www.priceandsons.com.


Services will be on Monday, September 5, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the Zion Lutheran Church in Grant with Rev. Ben Francisco officiating. Graveside services will be held in Leoti, Kansas at the Leoti Cemetery on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 10:00 AM. No public visitation is planned at this time.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant, Nebraska & Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas are in charge of arrangements.