Apker, Joseph E., 84, (12/16/1931 to 2/21/2016), passed away due to illness.

Born in La Valle, WI, Joe graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in Des Moines, IA. After graduation he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps and served in Korea. During this time he achieved the distinction of being a "mustang"– entering as an enlisted man and being promoted to officer. Joe was honorably discharged from the Marine Reserves with the rank of Major. He met his wife, Betty, during classes at TU. After graduating from OU, Joe had a long career in the insurance industry as partner in Oden, Mattern and Apker, and later as owner of Apker and Associates. He enjoyed golfing, skiing, racquetball and spending time with his family at Fort Gibson Lake. Following many happy retirement years in Pagosa Springs, CO, Joe and Betty returned to Oklahoma, settling in Bixby. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, children Janet Balint (Stephen), William Apker (Susan), Joanne Shanahan (Edward), Kathleen Rosdahl (Richard), six grandchildren – Brooke Apker Knight, Sebastian and S. Alexander Balint, Sgt. Joseph Adib, USMC, Edward Shanahan V, Audrey Adib, three great grandchildren, and siblings Rex, Thomas and Donald. He was preceded in death by parents, James and Erma, son Stephen, and siblings James, Robert, Agnes, and Mary. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 PM with Rosary at 7:00 PM Thursday, 2/25/16, Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, with the Rite of Christian Burial, St. Clement of Rome, Bixby, Friday, 2/26/16, at 10:00 AM. Graveside service at Calvary Cemetery will follow mass, with a reception at St. Clement of Rome immediately after.

Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500