Neal Oliver Appleton

Neal Oliver Appleton, age 69, of Grants Pass, died Friday, July 18, 2014 at his home.

No services are planned. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 31 W 6th Street, Medford Oregon 97501.

Neal was born November 23, 1944 in Los Angeles, California to Harry M. Appleton and Eline (Gudmundson) Appleton. He graduated from Verdugo Hills High School in Los Angeles and later joined the United States Air Force where he served for four years. For 36 years he worked for United Airlines as an aircraft mechanic. He married Jeanne Barneck and they later divorced. On January 10, 1977 in Lima, Peru, he married Sonnia S. Appleton. He retired in 2003 and in 2006 he moved from Fairfield, California to Grants Pass.

He was a member of the Democratic Party and OUR Club (Oregon United Retirees).

Neal volunteered with the Josephine County Sheriff’s department.

His hobbies included radio controlled airplanes, fishing, ham radio and was an avid reader.

Survivors include his wife, Sonnia S. Appleton of Grants Pass; two daughters, Tamara Drobitsky and husband, Michael of Apache Junction, Arizona and Angela Hersman and husband, Mark of Manteca, California; a son Kris Appleton and wife, Karla of Tucson, Arizona; 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Neal was preceded in death by his parents, Harry & Eline Appleton; a sister, Hope Doyle and a brother, Jimmy Wright.