Robert “Bobby” Applegate, 80, of Mount Carmel in Fleming County, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Born in Mason County on April 15, 1945, he was a son of the late William Applegate and the late Ruby Coryell Applegate.

Bobby served in the United States Army Reserves for 11 years. He faithfully served as vice president, president, secretary, and treasurer of the Kentucky Mutual Insurance Association for 25 years. He was a Kentucky Colonel, a dedicated 4-H leader, and a lifetime of the FFA (Future Farmers of America). He was also a member of the “Mayflower Club” and the W.N. Fant Post #5 American Legion. His many honors included Chamber of Commerce Farmer of the Year (1983 and 2015), the Good Farmer Steward Award (2011), Landowner of the Year (2013) and recognition as a Master Conservationist.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 60 years, Martha Maxey Applegate; four of his children, Alice (Jeremy) Myers and Ashley (Michelle) Applegate of Fleming County, Andrew (Melanie) Applegate of Simpsonville, Ky., and Amanda (Todd) Messer of London, Ky. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Emily Virgin, Jamison Snedegar, Terri Applegate, Bobbi Applegate, Aubrie Messer, Lexi Messer, Bryce Applegate, and Zachary Applegate; his two great grandchildren, Ruby Arlowe Virgin and Ava McClain.

In addition to his mother Ruby and his father William, Bobby was preceded in death by his son William O. Applegate.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Boone Nickell Funeral Home.

Bobby will be laid to rest in Mount Carmel Cemetery.

W.N. Fant American Legion Post #5 and Franklin Sousley VFW Post 1834 will be performing military rites.

Pallbearers include Todd Messer, Bryce Applegate, Zachary Applegate, Steve Fitch, Doug Snedegar, Cliff Mitchell, Tony Reid, and Oliver Reed. Honorary pallbearers include Johnny Staker, Charles “Sleepy” Adams, L.C. Skaggs, Richie Kielman, Tyler Black, Mike Denham, and Ike France.

Visitation for Bobby will be 5 p.m., until 7 p.m., Friday, April 3, at Boone-Nickell located at 150 West Water Street in Flemingsburg.

In place of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Bobby to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (online: stjude.org/donate) or by phone (1-800-805-5856)

Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com