John Mark Appleberry
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With heavy hearts we share the sad loss of our cherished son, brother, father and friend, (John) Mark Appleberry, 55, who left us too soon Wednesday, April 3, 2019, in suburban Kansas City, MO. Residing most recently in Marshall, MO, Mark was the son of James Appleberry, Louisville, and late mother Patricia Trent Appleberry. Along with his father, Mark is survived by his family, including Maureen Carr, son (James) Doulin, 17, and Cara Muireann, 13, all of Philadelphia; and brother Tim Appleberry and his wife Bridget and their children, Maura, John and Helen, all of Louisville.
Born in Warrensburg, MO, on September 25, 1963, Mark graduated from high school in Pittsburg, KS, and went on to study at the University of Kansas. He completed his BA in philosophy at California State University at Long Beach and earned a Law Degree with honors from Boston University.
His career mirrored his varied interests and talents. Forming his own rock band in college, he and his band mates traveled the college circuits in the U.S. and Canada, eventually landing in Los Angeles. His career there changed focus towards construction/home building, and then to aspirations in the legal field. After attaining his JD, he clerked for Federal Circuit Court Judge Boyce Martin, Louisville. Following the clerkship, he joined the Jenner and Block law firm in Chicago, and then Frost Brown Todd in Louisville with a specialty in mergers and acquisitions. But he had an entrepreneur’s heart and with his brother soon formed Thoroughbred Technologies which was twice recognized as a “Top 100” fastest growing companies in the U.S. (Entrepreneur Magazine). After selling the company, Mark returned his energies to law, working briefly with firms in Ohio and Pennsylvania and freelancing from home.
Mark was a caring, loving and generous soul. In his youth he was a talented athlete and remained a sports fan throughout his life, especially for his beloved Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs. Gifted in math and music, he was always creative, continued writing songs throughout his life, loved gardening and nature, and adored his children. He is dearly missed by numerous friends and family.
Services for Mark will be private. Expressions of sympathy can be made to: Fountain of Life Ministries International, P O Box 145., Alma, MO 64001.
Visits: 28
Mark was a very quick thinker, and also antsy. Which lead to his entrepreneurial ways. I had the pleasure to work with him, on several projects. Very sad for the loss and feel and hope despite his demons he he left an indelible Mark on the planet.
Mark was a lifelong friend. It was heartbreaking to learn of his passing. Mark and I met all the way back in middle school in Pittsburg, Kansas, were close throughout high school, and roommates our freshman year at college. We stayed in touch over the years and it was my connection to Mark that brought me together with my wife Trish, with whom I have four children. I am in his debt for that, and for many other things. Mark was an exceptional person, a loyal friend, a brilliant debater, and someone I always admired and respected. He will be sorely missed. Jeff Pitzer
Dear Jim, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So very sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. Your family is in my prayers. Lynda Nelson
We never met Mark, but we know the wonderful Appleberry family and knew of their love and devoted care for him. Jim, Tim, Bridget, Maura, John and Helen, please know we are with you in spirit and share in your sorrow.
Meg Higgins & Bob Hower
My condolences to the family. Please be comforted by the Bible’s promise of the resurrection. John 5:28,29, Acts 24:15.
I am shocked and heartbroken to learn of Marks passing. I met Mark though his brother Tim when they lived in Pittsburg, Kansas and got to know Mark better during the semester Tim, Dimitre, and I shared an apartment at KU. I always enjoyed watching Mark and his fellow band-mates, the Answer, perform. Mark was a very kind person; intelligent, talented, and well liked. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Very sorry to hear this news. I have many fond memories of time spent with Mark at KU and later in Southern California. He was an incredible talent with a brilliant mind and razor sharp wit. May he rest in peace and know that he is loved and missed by many.
My deepest condolences to the entire Appleberry family. I remember the day they moved in on Ford street. My friendship with Tim was instant and we all thought Mark was so cool! You know how special people are by how a town embraces them. Pittsburg mourns the loss of Mark. Talented, unique, funny, energetic…all adjectives that remind me of Mark. My heart is heavy for those Mark left behind . To Tim: words cannot begin to touch what I would want to say to you after hearing this news. I see you both in my memories as you were over on Ford street. Music playing, bantering, and full of life; forever young. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Much love from KC.
I was sadden to hear of Mark’s passing. I met Mark at KU when we lived on the same floor in Ellsworth Hall. Even though we lost contact after our Freshman year at KU. I always looked back on those times with many fond memories. I also wondered what ever happened to everyone and I have been trying to find people to reconnect. I am sorry that I was not able to reconnect with Mark. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed.