Funeral service with full military honors for Retired SSG Eric Claude Oliver Appleton, 58 of Kempner, TX will be held Sunday, March 26, 2023, 2:30 p.m. at the Killeen Seventh-day Adventist Church in Killeen, TX. Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service (1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.) at the church.

Inurnment will be held Thursday, March 30, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Services can be viewed via Zoom: Meeting ID - 4778772534    Passcode - Appleton

Or click link below:   Passcode  - Appleton
*Link will not be active until 1:15 p.m.*
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4778772534?pwd=bzlFVEtxNXFMWGtTOUdadkFSWEpNdz09#success

To view Yotube video of service, click link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Nc-AigwrGgc

Eric C. Appleton got on this sphere on April 14, 1964 and the awful "C" took him off on March 15, 2023; but during his dash, he lived a good life. As the fourth child in a family of nine sibs, he enjoyed family, basketball and board games, from then on he developed a life-long love of family, sports, (especially football -- go 49ers) and board games. Throughout his life you could find him attending church, doing puzzles, scrutinizing trivia, joking around, and traveling.  "B" as he was affectionately called by his wife, was a husband, Dad, PaPa, brother, uncle, son, retired soldier, great friend and servant of God.

After graduating from Central High School in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, he felt a call to serve his country so he enlisted and served for four years then came back home. However, more than a decade later, a marriage with two boys, the call to serve returned and he reenlisted and made the U.S. Army, a career. He loved serving his country and serving others. After an almost 21-year career, with 4 deployments, numerous awards & decorations, making life-long friends and "framily", Eric retired and continued his service to the community and the New Hope SDA Church. Along with his best buddy, Robert Nicholls and other friends, they repaired their church and often cleaned the premises. They also assisted church members and the community, fed the homeless and willingly gave of their time and talents. When they were not serving, they were joined by the third member of their group, Pastor Trotman, who reminded them of their retirement status. "The Three Musketeers," as they were often called, enjoyed dining around Central Texas and just enjoyed each other's stories and company. This trio could be found sitting in the doctor's waiting room or in the chemo suite, supporting their buddy.

Left to cherish his memories are: his wife - Simonette Appleton; children - Terry (Nichole) and Lynn Willocks (Jamie Jones); grandchildren - Naomi and Nikolaus Willocks; mother - Celestina Johnhope; siblings - Indiana Duncan, Walter Appleton, Frandelle Appleton, Trevor (Veronica) Johnhope, Julie (Donley) Taylor, Julia (Linval, Sr.) Bailey, Juliet Johnhope, Alicia Walters; father and mother-in-law - Felix & Elizabeth Madir; brothers-in-law - Aaron F. Madir (L. Lynn Madir) S. Joseph Williams, Jr. (Flavia Anthony), Everett Williams (Dionesia), Arthur Williams, Timothy Williams; neices - Dehlia (Kenroy) Vidal, Tanya, Tanisha Johnhope, De'Andra Taylor, Nyalah (Chris) Bethel, Destini Appleton, Janiyah Bailey, Tricia, Shaniece, Shantel Walters; nephews - Kareem Ross, Linval Bailey, Jr, Dimitri Appleton, Lyndon Bailey, Francios Pierre, Nathan Appleton; great nieces - 4, great nephews - 3, god-children - 15; aunts - Ernie & Inez Appleton, Lena (Wallie) Joseph; numerous cousins, friends and "FRAMILY " (you know who you are)!

He was preceded in death by his: bonus Dad - Thomas Johnhope; sister - Rose Appleton, aunts - Erma, Ada, & Agatha Appleton; uncles - Neville Stephens, Eaton, Kaiser, William Appleton; niece - Angelique Ross; and nephew - Ian Grey.

Eric, we know God has the final say and He chose to lay you to rest. You always started greetings with "hello pilgrims" which served as a constant reminder that we are temporary residents on this earth because our citizenship is in heaven. We'll be looking forward to that day when Jesus will return to take His children home, and at the sound of His trumpet, you will rise out of your grave and we'll be reunited once more. It won't be hard to spot you, though, because we're sure you'll be the only one wearing sunglasses with that infectious smile, out of the grave enroute to the pearly gates. By the way, there will be no Paternity Court for you and Keisha to discuss in heaven.

Until that day, you will be missed, but rest in sweet peace "Mr. Super!"

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Boys & Girls Club of Central Texas or the Families in Crisis, Killeen, Texas.