Birth date: Jan 31, 1938 Death date: May 21, 2025
In Loving Memory of Darrel A. Apps January 31, 1938 – May 21, 2025 Born to Herman and Eleanor Apps on January 31, 1938, Darrel Apps was the youngest of his brothers, four years younger than Jerry and only 15 minutes younger than Read Obituary
When I was just starting out in business, I attended my second Perennial Plant Association conference in Columbus, Ohio in 1985. This dapper gentleman from Longwood Gardens came up to me with great enthusiasm and effusively extolled my efforts at growing native prairie plants. I was pretty much in shock, since most of the world still considered the plants I grew to be “weeds.” But not Darrel Apps. He was so supportive and encouraging, at a point when after three years of knocking my head against the wall trying to get people to appreciate native flowers and grasses, with almost no luck, I was seriously considering quitting. Darrel to the rescue! His contagious enthusiasm and smiling spirit stayed with me, and I never, ever forgot it. This one event so completely endeared me to this amazing man that I am forever grateful to him for his support and belief in the value of what became my life’s work. It has been an honor to be included in Darrel's wide circle of friends across this world. He will be sorely missed.
I was lucky enough to sit next to Darrel for the 1st time years ago at a IPPS eastern meeting. Just a great guy and plant expert extraordinaire. I remembering asking him...Happy Returns...it is your's right? He said ..Yes! and I was duly impressed. Years later we grew 75000 of that beautiful plant and I was always grateful to know Dr Apps and value his help and friendship...... Phill King....Greenwood Propagation...Hebron, Illinois
I have only known Darrell for 6 years through our Kiwanis affiliation. I found Darrell to be kind and considerate. I once shared with Darrell that he was my hero. I admired his "get up and go" and willingness to help others always. Whenever there was a project, I asked to be paired with him. Just being with him was enriching. May he rest in peace and manage some heavenly flower garden. Gary Clair
