Velma C. Appl

January 23, 2024

Mrs. Velma C. Appl, 88, of Norman, OK, passed away Thursday, January 18th, 2024.

Velma was born October 25, 1935 in Syracuse, KS, the second child of Paul Harden and Amy Clyde (Kellum) Finkenbinder.

She grew up in Syracuse where her father farmed and her mother was a teacher.  She developed a love of music, playing french horn in the school band, viola, and accordion. She was a gifted pianist and participated in regional and state-wide piano competitions. She was active in school clubs, cheerleading and baton twirling, and graduated as class Salutatorian from Syracuse High School in 1953.

She attended Kansas State University where she received her Bachelors in Home Economics. She was a member of Clovia, a 4-H cooperative sorority at K-State, and recalled many fond memories of living at Clovia House. She was also a member of the Disciples Student Foundation, where she met Franklin J. Appl in a musical group. He became the love of her life and they were married on June 13, 1959 in Syracuse.

While Franklin continued his studies, the newlyweds moved to Urbana, IL where they soon welcomed two children, Patricia Janette in 1962 and Virginia Annette in 1963. Their family was complete with the birth of Kathryn Louise in Norman, OK in 1967. The family settled permanently in Norman where Franklin became a Professor in Mechanical Engineering at OU, and later, President of Appl Engineering Company. They remained together in Norman until Franklin's recent passing in October 2023.

Velma was a proud homemaker and an active member of many charitable organizations and clubs including the University Women's Club, many Garden Clubs, Cameo Club, Music Club, and Teddy Bear club. In later years Velma became interested in her ancestry and became a member of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Daughters of Union Veterans (DUV). She is an Honorary Regent of the DAR Black Beaver Chapter in Norman.

Velma always continued her passion for music, playing the piano and organ for the University Christian Church in Norman for many years. She taught piano lessons to a number of students in Norman, and delighted in setting her daughters, granddaughter, and great granddaughter on musical paths.  

Velma was an artist, a photographer, a seamstress, and an avid gardener who could often be found documenting her floral triumphs in photos to share with family and friends. She utilized her many talents and interests in the production of a local public access television show, "Number 10 Story Lane." Velma and a dear friend created many programs featuring local artists, chefs, entrepreneurs, history lessons, fashion shows and musical numbers. Many friends and family members have fond memories of being recruited as cast and crew on the show which aired for several years. 

Velma was a devoted mother to her children and granddaughter, supporting them through their many activities – Bluebirds and Campfire Girls, music, dance and art lessons. She was especially devoted to the care and special needs of her youngest daughter Kathy. Velma and Frank were strong supporters of the Southern Oklahoma Resource Center, where Kathy lived for 30 years, and tireless advocates for the care and protection of people with developmental disabilities. Velma cherished her family and is deeply missed.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Franklin J. Appl, and her daughter Kathryn Louise Appl. She is survived by her sister Pauline Fecht, daughters Patricia Appl, Virginia Appl and her husband Keith Meurer, granddaughters Lya Trammell and Kacey Meurer, great granddaughter Anabel Trammell, and her many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and their children.