Lt. Col. Charleigh D. Appling, Jr.

Lieutenant Colonel Charleigh Appling Jr., took flight on his final mission to the great blue yonder on March 13, 2024. Born on March 2, 1935, in Phoenix, AZ, Charleigh soared through 89 years of adventure before landing peacefully in Topeka, KS, due to natural causes.

Charleigh was a man whose life was as decorated as his uniform, having served as a highly esteemed Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. His 20-year tenure was like a blockbuster film filled with action, overseas adventures, and a collection of medals that would make an Olympian envious. A master of the sky, Charleigh loved nothing more than to be airborne, flying jets and airplanes with the ease of a bird on the wing. His bravery wasn't just in his uniform; it was woven into his very being.

Charleigh was a force to be reckoned with, a true local hero. He loved his country and loved to fly both domestic and overseas, where he navigated both the skies and the complexities of combat and non-combat zones with exceptional courage and passion.

When he wasn't soaring through the clouds or making Uncle Sam proud, Charleigh could be found with a fishing rod in one hand and airplane controls in the other. Rumor has it he once caught a fish so big it almost counted as his co-pilot. His love for animals was well-known; you could say he was Dr. Doolittle with aviator glasses.

His final chapter is survived by grandchildren Charleigh "Cody" Appling IV (Yuri) and Jennifer Winski (Eric), alongside a squadron of friends whose lives he touched with humor and grace. Charleigh Jr. was predeceased by his son, Charleigh Appling III "Lee", but something tells us they're enjoying a heavenly reunion, probably fishing for cloud fish or whatever it is you catch up there.

As we bid farewell to Charleigh, let's remember him as the man who lived life at full throttle, a true Maverick in his own right. Godspeed, Colonel. May your final flight be as legendary as your life.

Graveside services with full military funeral honors provided by Luke AFB Honor Guard will begin at 11:00 AM Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Road, Phoeniz, AZ 85024.