Obituary: Paul Robert Apodaca

SFC Paul Robert Apodaca (Ret), 82, passed away at his home on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. He was born in Denver, Colorado, on January 26, 1943, to the late Paul Urbano Apodaca and Mary Sandoval Apodaca. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three sisters, Makayla Valenzuela (Xavier), Mary Beatrice Danette (Dick), Theresa Salazar (Bob); and his nephew, Dennis Salazar.

Paul is survived by his wife of 55 years, Priscilla; his daughter, Mary Angela Duncan (Jimmy); his sons, Samuel (Brooke) and James (Sarah); and his grandchildren, Jocelyne & Garrett Miller, Christopher, Elizabeth, & Mack Duncan, and Aidan, Eevie & Paul Apodaca.

Paul served his country honorably in both the Marine Corp (1961 – 1964¬) and the United States Army (1965 – 1982). He served with pride in Guam, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Division, and Germany. Stateside, he served in the 307th Engineer BN, 82nd Airborne Division at Ft Bragg, NC, where he was a Master Parachutist, and as a drill instructor at Ft Leonard Wood, MO. He retired with full honors in 1982 from Ft. Carson, Colorado. Following his retirement, he worked in the graphic arts department of Independent Life Insurance Company in Jacksonville, Florida, for 17 years.

Paul, a man of many interests and talents, was a hard worker who always had a project going on. He was a skilled carpenter who made various pieces of furniture over the years, including a desk for his wife’s wedding present. He was artistic and enjoyed landscaping, wood carving and making stained glass pictures. More than anything, he enjoyed music of any genre. He played the saxophone, the clarinet, the guitar, and took piano lessons in his 40’s because he wanted to learn to play that instrument, too. He was defined by his friends and family for his sense of humor.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home. A graveside service with military honors will be held at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, Fayetteville, NC at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The Reverend Barnabas Sprinkle will officiate the service.

Online condolences may be shared at www.rousefh.com . In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Paul’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org). Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange, NC.