Cary Donald Applegate Jr., age 79, of Vanceburg, Kentucky, passed away Friday, December 19, 2025, at his residence.
He was born December 27, 1945, in Lewis County, Kentucky, a son of the late Ora and Blanche Fite Applegate.
Cary was a former employee of Randall Company, Copeland Company, Lewis County School System as a bus driver and a farmer. He loved to hunt, fish, farm and search for wild mushrooms, and his cats. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters.
Cary is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Colleen Esham Applegate; one son, Cary Applegate of Vanceburg, Kentucky; one daughter, Carleen Applegate Lutz of Vanceburg, Kentucky; 3 grandchildren, Alacia Purcell, Cecelia Lutz, Cody Applegate; 2 great grandchildren, Elias Purcell, Winston Purcell along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.
Funeral services will be held 3 p.m., Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Tollesboro Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 11918 KY 57, Tollesboro, Kentucky, with Brother David Hickerson officiating. Burial will be follow in Applegate Cemetery in Tollesboro, Kentucky.
Friends may visit after 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, December 23, 2025, until the service hour at Tollesboro Funeral Home
Tollesboro Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Cary Donald Applegate Jr..