Lewis "Paul" Applegate

Lewis "Paul" Applegate, age 87, went to be with the love of his life of 65 years, June, on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. Paul was born and raised in southern Utah, where he developed a love for nature and the desert. He shared that passion with his wife and taught his boys to love and respect the outdoors. Paul earned his BA in botany at Utah State University and went to work for the Bureau of Land Management where he eventually became district manager located in Albuquerque.

After retiring in 1987, he and June traveled extensively throughout the country in their RV, enjoying new adventures and revisiting favorite national parks. A self-taught harmonica player, he had a passion for music and was an avid outdoorsman, who loved fishing and hunting. Paul lived the remainder of his life in Rio Rancho to be close to his sons and grandsons.

He is survived by his brother, Michael Applegate of Stillwater, OK; sons, Charles (Amy Mathis), Jim (Trish); and grandsons, Ian Lerch of Seattle, Ryan, and Jadon Applegate.

A service will be held on Friday, July 2, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Because of Paul's love for the outdoors please consider a donation in Paul's name to any organization that supports the protection of wildlife, in lieu of flowers.