Willis "Duke" Kadden Applegate

Willis “Duke” Kadden Applegate 78 passed away in his home on June 14, 2026. Duke was born on November 14, 1947, in Keltner, Missouri, the son of Rev. Melvis and Bertha (Willis) Applegate. 

On January 8th, 1997, Duke was united in marriage to Jonneen L. Fitting. They ended up settling in Springfield, Missouri together. Duke was a truck driver, a career that took him many places across this country. He was great at giving directions to anywhere you needed to go. He enjoyed stopping in and visiting with family and friends along the way. 

When he retired after more than 45 years of driving and visiting 48 different states, he was happy to be settled down at home in Springfield. That’s where he spent his time watching football, listening to baseball on his radio, reading, and watching over his grandkids. That is where his real joy was. 

All his grandkids hold a special place in his heart. He enjoyed his family and friends and deeply cherished every moment that he had with them. Duke was a stubborn man, but someone who you can always count on or turn to when you are needing someone. He had a funny way of expressing his love and gratitude for others, but that is also what made him so uniquely special. With his special brand of wit, he was great fun to be around, and there was never a dull moment. 

Survivors include : his children; Vickie Hoffman-Egly and husband Karl, Matthew Applegate and wife Julie, Vonnee Applegate, Michelle Harden, Justin Moore and wife Lori, Dorthey Sawyers and husband Thomas, brother Bill Applegate and wife Shirley, his 18 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and a host of great friends. Duke was preceded in death by his wife Jonneen Applegate, parents; Melvis & Bertha Applegate, his siblings, Dee Applegate, Frances (Sally) Carroll, Dewey Applegate, and two grandsons, Nicholas Hoffman and Chance Madle.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Reverend Carnel Bally Johnson, officiating. 

Visitation will be from noon until service time on Thursday, June 25, 2026. 

Cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory, and arrangements are under the directions of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.