Wilburn Applegate

Born on August 4, 1924, and raised in Lewis County, Kentucky, Wilburn Applegate grew up working on his family’s tobacco farm. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was assigned to Company E of the 43rd Infantry Division and later to the 103rd Infantry, in addition to serving with the 1st and 7th Cavalry. His service took him from Fort Thomas to San Francisco, and then across the Pacific to New Zealand, the Rengola Gulf, New Guinea, Luzon, and Japan. He fought in key beachhead battles and completed his wartime service as a telephone and telegraph lineman stationed in Japan.

Returning home, Wilburn worked as a farmhand alongside his father and took a job at the cotton mill in Maysville. His talent for masonry soon led him to establish WKA Construction with his son, Terry. Together, they helped build homes and public buildings throughout Mason County, including the Carnation Co., Straub Elementary, the Medical Arts Building, and Seddon Methodist Church.

Wilburn continued his craft into his 80s, helping to construct three family homes, one of which he still calls home. His life stands as a testament to quiet dedication, hard work, and enduring craftsmanship.