Bobby Dean Upton, 93

A visitation for Bobby Dean Upton, 93, of Independence, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 18, at Speaks Suburban Chapel in Independence. A private graveside service will follow on July 19. Bob died July 6 at Centerpoint Hospital in Independence.

He was born Oct. 1, 1931, in the Ozark County community of Locust, the son of Odes and Doshia Upton. He had four siblings: Gene, Doyn, Ellouese and Ned. As a young man, he pumped gas at his dad’s service station — a job that taught him how to get his hands dirty and sharpened the mechanical and electrical know-how that would serve him for a lifetime, whether on the job or at home. As his own sons grew up, their conversations were often about how to repair or make things work.

He served as a staff sergeant in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955, spending time in Southeast Asia during the Korean War. He was part of the 581st Air Resupply and Communications Wing — the only USAF special operations unit at the time organized, trained and equipped to conduct psychological warfare in the Far East. True to his nature, he didn’t say much about that experience through the years. His family only learned of it recently as he let a few details slip, and they found more information tucked away in his files. It was a quiet testament to what he carried without needing recognition.

After leaving the USAF, he and a few buddies moved to Kansas City. He and his best friend, Gene McCullough, ended up on a double date. That's when Bob met Irene; they were married Aug. 2, 1957. They enjoyed a solid, loving Christian life together for 65 years. Later, his friend Gene met his wife Iva and the two couples remained close friends often gathered their families for many McCullough-Upton evenings with food, games and laughs.

Bob made his living — and plenty of friends — working for Western Electric as an installer. His sharp, analytical mind and steady hands made him a natural at troubleshooting everything from central office equipment to tangled wires in tight spaces. When AT&T bought Western Electric, he stayed on, and even after retiring in 1983, he kept right on working for various other telecom companies; slowing down just wasn’t in his nature.

Bob was a solid human and a good Christian man. He served where he could, solved problems and loved well. He loved challenging his mind with crossword puzzles and sudoku, enjoyed old shows like "Gunsmoke" and always kept his Bible close at hand. He enjoyed long telephone conversations with friends and family.

Bob's mind stayed sharp to the very end, and he worked hard to keep his body strong, continuing his exercises and trips to the gym while also caring for Irene until she passed in 2022. In the last few years, he grew frustrated by the loss of his physical strength – and the loss of independence that came with it. He often said he was ready to “go home,” and his family is comforted knowing he is now reunited with Irene.

He is survived by his three children: Deb Marshall, Jeff Upton and wife Lori and Brian Upton and wife Karen; the grandchildren he enjoyed: Lucas Tillman and wife Abby; Marshall Upton and wife Callie; Natalie Robinette and husband Cory; Lauren Lehane and husband Scott; and Cole Upton and wife Jenna; his favorite title was “Old Poppi” to great-granddaughter Remi Jo Robinette and her soon-to-arrive baby brother Boone, who will grow up hearing all about him; his sister-in-law Tansy Upton of Willow Springs; and his brother, Ned Upton of Isabella. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sweetheart, Irene; and his siblings: Gene, Doyn and Ellouese Upton.  

His family asks friends to honor Bob by sharing a story, fixing something instead of tossing it, going to church and reading the Bible, and calling someone you’ve been thinking about.

Arrangements by Speaks Suburban Chapel, Independence.