Lonnie Rea Appleton was born June 6, 1953 to Bessie and Vernon Appleton in Ashland, Kansas. He grew up East of Buffalo and graduated from Buffalo High School in 1971. During high school he was active in football and FFA. Lonnie always had a love for farming and ranching with a particular love for horses and cattle. He started helping on the family farm at the age of 9 driving the tractor. He was breaking horses by the age of 12 and became quite well known for his skills with horses as he grew older. His love for riding horses and hatred for walking when not necessary led him to devise a plan for he and his little brother to ride the horse to the fishing hole. However, the horse was not as keen on the idea of them carrying them and the fishing poles as Lonnie was. He decided he could climb up on the barn and with poles in hand jump on the horse. The horse, however, had different ideas. When he jumped, the horse spun around and hit him in the head, landing Lonnie in the hospital with a concussion. Lonnie started working at the Buffalo Feed yards while in high school. He was talented in the jobs he undertook. He spent some time carpentering with his dad and later in life he become a skilled heavy equipment operator in the oilfield and later for Harper County. Lonnie married the love of his life, Terrilyn Shahan on February 14, 1972. To this union was born 3 sons. Lonnie and Terri spent most of their 49 years in the Buffalo area. They particularly loved spending time at Fort Supply Lake camping and fishing. Lonnie was a kind gentle man who took great pride in his 3 sons and especially loved spending time with his grandkids. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his father-in-law, Travis Shahan, his brother-in-law Bob Shahan. Lonnie left his earthly home on March 7, 2021, suddenly after a short illness. He is survived by his wife, Terrilyn, of the home; 3 sons, Joe Appleton, J. C. Appleton and wife, Barbara, and Lucas Appleton and wife, Amanda, all of Buffalo, Oklahoma; 2 sisters, Vicki Cook and husband, Jim, of Okarche, Oklahoma, Rose Shank and husband, Ron, of Seiling, Oklahoma; and brother Kenny Appleton of Dodge City, Kansas; his mother-in-law Louise Shahan of Buffalo, OK.; and 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Christian Church, Shiners, Harper County Community Hospital, or St. Judes .
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