Cater Aplin

Services for Cater F. Aplin Jr., will be held Sunday, September 9, 2007, at 2 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of Harrisonburg with Rev. Thomy Green and Dr. Ralph Webber officiating. Burial will follow in the Harrisonburg Cemetery under the direction of Young's Funeral Home, Jonesville. Cater F. Aplin Jr., 81 died, Friday, September 07, 2007, following a lengthy illness. Mr. Aplin, was a lifetime resident of Harrisonburg, where he also served as Mayor for 34 years, and was a devoted educator and public servant. He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Lillian Sutton Aplin, and his two sons, James J. Aplin of Harrisonburg, and John F. Aplin of West Monroe. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carol Aplin Finnegan of Vidalia, Louisiana, and his parents Mr. & Mrs. Cater F. Aplin Sr. of Harrisonburg. Other survivors include his six grandchildren, J. Jason Aplin of Harrisonburg, Staci Aplin of Monroe, Josie Aplin of Harrisonburg, Damon Becnel of Destin, Florida, Tara Becnel of Vidalia, Sara Becnel of Destin, Florida and five great grandchildren. He was a World War II Veteran serving as submariner in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945 aboard the U.S.S. Bowfin (Avenger Class Submarine), making the 6, 7, 8, and 9th war patrol in the Sea of Japan. He was a member of the famous Mighty Mine Dodgers. Throughout Cater's naval career, he received numerous awards. including the Asiatic Pacific (2 stars), American Theatre Combat (3 stars), and the Presidential Citation. Cater served as commander of Post 0223 of the American Legion and life long member of the Silent Service. Upon his return from his naval duties, Cater, attended Louisiana State University. He received a Bachelor's Of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education. Cater taught math as well as other subjects, served as Supervisor of Schools, and Assistant Superintendent of Education until his retirement in 1982. Cater also worked for Concordia Electric Co-op as an Electrical Engineer designing power lines throughout their service area. Following Cater's retirement, he continued his call to community service and followed it by establishing the Northwestern University of Louisiana, Catahoula Parish. He also served as President of the Kastachie Delta Regional Planning District and Macon Ridge Economic Development Cooperation. Visitation will be from 6 - 9 p.m. Saturday, September 08, 2007 at First Baptist Church in Harrisonburg.

Cater Aplin

November 10, 1925 - September 7, 2007