Michael Gene Apple, 77, was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 6:35am in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Mike was born on October 23, 1945 to Norman and Frances Apple in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mike went to work for the railroad directly after high school but was drafted into the United States Army on March 11th, 1966 at the age of 21. During his time in the military he served as a sharpshooter and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged on March 10th, 1972 after six years of service and returned to his position at the railroad where he worked for over 45 years.

After retirement is when Mike really embraced life. Anyone who was a friend to him knew he loved fast cars, motorcycles, and socializing with friends. He'd often nickname people "Hot Rod" but looking back that seems to be a more fitting nickname for Mike. He loved to spend days riding around on his "scooter" and stopping by his favorite places to enjoy a diet coke and tell a few jokes. He also had a crazy sweet tooth and milkshakes were an all time favorite. Mike spent his last year of life facing some difficult challenges due to his diabetes. But even after the partial loss of his leg, he continued to remain positive and always talked about how he'd find his way back onto a motorcycle, or maybe into a red corvette. Although his dream didn't become a reality here on earth, we know it surely did once he found his way home. Mike was known by many and will be forgotten by few.

Mike is survived by his two children and their spouses, Jeffery and Tara Eckhardt, Michele and Ricky Johnson, and his stepdaughter LeAnn Shaw as well as his five grandchildren, Caitlin and Owen Eckhardt, Caden Hoppis, and Grace and Caleb Shaw.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Frances Apple, his spouse of 27 years, Diane Reese-Apple, and two brothers Richard and Chuck Apple.

A memorial service will be held for Michael at Moore Funeral Home, Southlawn Chapel on Friday, July 28th, 2023 at 10am. A military funeral honors will take place at the memorial service. His remains will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Memorial Park Cemetery.