Loyd John Upchurch (Ret. SMsgt.) died Monday evening July 3, 2017 at his home. Mr. Upchurch was born July 19, 1924 in Randolph, OK to Henry Allen Upchurch and Ethel Maye (Brown) Upchurch. He joined the Army Air Corp. in 1942, serving through WWII. After the war, he enlisted in the newly formed Air Force and was a part of Strategic Air Command. Mr. Upchurch married Florence Evelyn Heath January 6, 1951. He retired as SMsgt. at Walker AFB in Roswell, NM in 1964.

The family moved to Oklahoma, first Midwest City, then Choctaw, as Mr. Upchurch was employed at Tinker AFB, where he retired in 1978. The family then moved to Lake Texoma to enjoy their retirement years.

Mr. Upchurch loved sports of all kinds, especially softball and golf. He was an avid golfer, and still enjoyed going to the golf course just prior to his death. Mr. Upchurch loved going to the Mustang Senior Citizens Center and made many friends there.

Mr. Upchurch was the epitome of commitment. He valued and honored his responsibilities, both to his family and his country. He was extremely proud of his military service, especially during WWII. We know he was greeted at the gates of Heaven by our Lord, who told him, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”

Mr. Upchurch was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Evelyn and JacQuita Hurst; sister, Frieda; twin brother, Floyd; daughter, June Reynolds and son-in-law Marion; and grandson, Ian Upchurch.

He is survived by his son, Steve Upchurch, daughter-in-law Deanne, and grandson Riley of the home; grandson, Eric and his wife Chelsea of Austin, TX; granddaughter, Karen Reynolds of Mustang; grandson Mark Reynolds of Tuttle; four great grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, July 10 in the Chapel at Resthaven, with interment to follow with full military honors at Resthaven Memory Gardens.

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