Rodney Appell

Rodney Appell,54, passed away unexpectedly at home watching an old western movie on August 6, 2015. Graveside Service: 10 am Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at Opal Cemetery behind Rodney's house. Visitation: 7 to 9 pm Monday at White's Funeral Home, Springtown. Memorials: Since he thought flowers were foolish, donations to your local food bank or a tree planted in a hayfield would be appreciated. Rodney was born to the late Roger Appell and Dorothy Appell of Altona, IL in 1960. He learned early about "farmer chit-chat". After graduating ROVA High School in Illinois, he headed south to home in Texas and married Beverly. They had Rodney's first daughter, Maddelon. She was the Appell of his eye having lots of fun fighting their stubborn horse "Pebbles" at the King B Saddle Club. For 13 years Rodney held his dream job of Ranch Foreman at the Leonard's Haywire Ranch in Ft. Worth. He also graduated from Oklahoma Horseshoeing School. Not a day went by without Rodney sharing a cup of coffee (never Starbucks) with the boys at the FM Express or a beer at the Turkey Mountain Feed Store. Having become a "master metal building builder" with his buddy, Joe, he expanded into hay farming when he started Panorama Enterprises with his forever love, Maureen, in 2000. They married that year in a helluva rain storm at the Haywire Ranch. Soon thereafter they had 3 kids in 5 years and moved to Boyd. All along taking Maureen's son, Dakota, under his wing and being his true father, "Yes, Drill Sargent Rodney, Sir." Rodney became the "go to" guy for numerous folks whenever they needed any ranch related help or advice. Rodney was exceptionally honest. He was always willing to jump in to solve problems (unless you're in Dallas). He loved his tools, trucks, tractors, guns, poker nights, and motorcycle rides. Most of all he loved playing with and "pestering" his kids. Survivors: Wife, Maureen; daughters, Maddelon and Cheyenne; sons, Dylon and Seth; step-son, Dakota Marker; grandson, Marshall Bransom; mother, Dorothy Appell; brothers, Dennis and Derrick; several nieces and a nephew.