Patrick “Coach” Apel

Patrick “Coach” Apel, age 67, of Fate, TX, passed away on October 11, 2021. He was born September 10, 1954, in Dallas, TX, to James Max Apel and Mildred (Blackshear) Apel. His presence will be deeply missed.

If you knew Pat Apel, you loved him – that’s just how it was. He was an amazing man with the biggest heart. He didn’t realize how many lives he actually touched. We told him constantly through the years that so many people loved and admired him, but he didn’t believe it. Just goes to show what a humble man he truly was.

He was proud to have been a Pee-Wee football coach for 13 years. You wouldn’t believe the grown men that still reach out because Coach Apel had such a profound impact on their lives.

He was an amazing Father, Husband, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and friend. The most important thing to Pat was his girls and the love of his life, Ann. He was so proud of all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pat would always say “Family and God above all else”. When people pass there is always a void but when Pat passed you must understand that there is a massive space that will never be filled no matter how much time passes. The only peace we have is knowing that there is a massive amount of people that were touched at one time or another by the soul, spirit, and heart of Pat Apel.

Coach is survived by his loving wife: Ann Apel of Fate, TX; daughters: Kimberly King of Royse City, TX, and Brandy Smith and husband Kyle of Fate, TX; grandchildren: Kimberlin, Chance, Kaitlyn, Keegan, and Kasey; great-grandchildren: Gunner, McKenna, Remi, Allura, Oliver, Leo, Atlas, and Freya; brother: Mike Apel and wife Rosemarie of Bastrop, TX; and nephews: Chris, Jamie, and Nathan Apel. He was preceded in death by his parents: James and Mildred Apel.

A Night of Remembrance will be held from 6:00 to 8:00pm Friday, October 22, 2021, at Reflections at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Location