Douglas Ronald Appler

Douglas Ronald Appler, 78, of Abbottstown, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at his home.

Doug was born on November 9, 1945 in Gettysburg, the son of the late Jacob Appler and E. Jane (Crouse) Appler Ohler. He was a graduate of Gettysburg Area High School, Class of 1963 and received a bachelor’s degree in education from Millersville University. Upon graduation, Doug taught for a year as an industrial arts teacher in the Baltimore County Public Schools. He continued teaching for six more years at Southern York County Middle School until beginning his own company as a custom building contractor.

Doug loved being a custom builder, designing and building homes with attention to the details and knowledge of his craft. He enjoyed restoration work of historical buildings. He added a custom awning business to his name later in his career.

The only thing Doug loved more than his craft was his family. When not traveling with his wife out west or to one of America’s National Parks in their RV, he was proudly watching his grandchildren in their sports, music, or school events. He and Joan also loved taking trips with his children and grandchildren and planning special family activities like pumpkin rolling or backyard movie nights. He also enjoyed working on special building projects for family and friends.

Doug was a long-time member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Hanover, where he was an active member of the Property Committee and other committees, most recently, the Search Committee. He was also a member of the Berwick Township Zoning Board and the Cruzin' Vettes club.

Doug is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan (Taughinbaugh) Appler; his two daughters, Jennifer Myers and her husband, Ryan, of York and Allison Wagner and her husband, Jeb, of Lancaster; and his five grandchildren, Madeline Myers, Amelia Myers, Fiona Myers, Elle Wagner, and Finn Wagner. Doug is also survived by his sister, Shelley Peters of Lady Lake, FL and her husband, Richard; his uncle, Allen Crouse and his wife Jane; his sister-in-law, Deborah Altemose and her husband, Thomas; his brothers-in-law, George Taughinbaugh and his wife, Diane K., and Todd Taughinbaugh and his wife, Sarah. Doug was preceded in death by his stepfather, Fern Ohler; his sister-in-law, Diane L. Wisotzkey and her husband, Joe.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, December 4, 2023 at Trinity United Church of Christ in Hanover with The Rev. Kenneth S. Heasley officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg. The family will receive friends at viewings from 2 to 4:00 PM Sunday, December 3rd at Panebaker Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, Inc., 311 Broadway in Hanover and at the church one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Trinity United Church of Christ, 116 York Street Hanover, PA 17331 or the Adams County Historical Society, ACHS, 625 Biglerville Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325.