Richard Thomas Apking

Richard “Sarge” Thomas Apking, 84, passed on June 19, 2026, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

Sarge was born on September 9, 1941, in Columbus, NE. He and his family moved to Ord, NE and he graduated from high school there with the class of 1959. After graduating he moved to Onaway, Michigan with his family. For a period of time, he attended a year of college at Wayne State University in Detroit MI. He eventually obtained his Associates Degree from Alpena Community College after serving in the Army.

Sarge entered the Army on November 14, 1963. He spent over a year in Vietnam. He ended up leaving the Army for a number of years then moved from Michigan back to Nebraska where he started in construction. He enlisted again with the 1-167th Cavalry. During his military career he received the National Defense Service Medal; Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle M-14); Army Achievement Medal; Good Conduct Medal (3 awards); National Defense Service Ribbon with Bronze Star; Vietnam Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon.

Eventually he found his home in Winslow. Here he began his gardening adventures, became a member of the Nebraska Extension Office and Master Gardener, and found a place that held peace.

Rich is survived by his two sisters, Mary Blake of Winfield, Kansas, and Margaret LaVere of Royal Oak, Michigan; his children, Elizabeth Apking of Cheboygan, Michigan and Lauren Apking of Valley, Nebraska; two grandchildren Hayden and Elliott Booze of Valley, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Apking (passed 1964) and Dorothy Alexander (1998)

A Graveside Service with military honors will be held at Omaha National Cemetery on Wednesday (7/8/2026) at 11:00 AM. There will be a luncheon following the graveside service at the Valley American Legion Post #58, 111 E Front Street, Valley, NE 68064.