Lavern Floyd Applegarth

Laverne Floyd Applegarth, “Bud”

Laverne Floyd Applegarth, “Bud”, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

Bud was born February 18, 1929 in Sargent, Nebraska, son of Floyd and Florence (Brodine) Applegarth of Nebraska. He was brother to Goldie, Delores, Norma Jean, and Larry.  His formative years growing up on a farm in Nebraska during the Great Depression taught him to work diligently to help provide for his family, an attribute that he carried into adulthood.  He graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1948. 

Bud married Elsie (Harmon) Applegarth July 27, 1955; they were approaching their 69th wedding anniversary!  They had three sons, Michael of Westminster, MA, Donald of Naples, FL, and Keith of Stratford, NJ.  They have nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, his “little apples” who he dearly loved and generously supported!

Having worked for the railroad as a young man, Bud had knowledge of, and love for, all things railroad, which he readily shared with those who knew him.

Bud was a career military man.  He served in the U.S. Army, starting as typewriter repairman, then teaching electronics. Though deployed to various tours of duty around the world and serving in the Korean and Vietnam wars, he was often stationed at Fort Devens and eventually made his home in Massachusetts. He retired from the Army as Master Sergeant.  He proudly wore in his National Security Agency’s Veterans’ hat wherever he went.

After retirement Bud graduated from Fitchburg State College having earned two Masters degrees in both Industrial Arts and Industrial Science and returned to teaching for the Army as a civilian.

For many years Bud served at the Fitchburg Assembly of God Church as Royal Ranger commander, deacon, and faithful caretaker of the church property.

All who knew him will surely miss being regaled by his never-ending story-telling!

Master Sergeant E-8 Laverne Applegarth will be laid to rest at the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, MA on Monday July 1, 2024 at 10:00am.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Michael Alario of Lavery-Chartrand-Alario Funeral Home of Fitchburg, MA   website: www.lcafh.com