Lewis Vernon “Bill” Upshaw

Lewis Vernon “Bill” Upshaw, son of the late Morton and Mabel (Shannon) Upshaw, was born Sep. 4, 1938, in Denlow, and passed away Nov. 8, 2024, at his home in Mountain Grove. He was 86 years, 2 months and 4 days of age. Vernon graduated from Mountain Grove High School and served in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne (The Screaming Eagles) at Fort Campbell, Kent., as a jump master. He served from July 17, 1958-July 16, 1961. He met Elgin Graves in Evansville, Ind., and they were married on July 23, 1961. Three daughters were born to this union. Bill and Elgin celebrated 63 years of marriage earlier this year. Vernon was a follower of Christ and was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church of Mountain Grove where he had served as deacon. Vernon worked for many years and retired from Mid-America Dairyman in Cabool. He served as a volunteer deputy of Wright County, Missouri, and served honorably in the Missouri National Guard. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading about Civil War history and considered himself a student of that period. He loved to travel all over the United States and greatly enjoyed family vacations, especially trips to the Rocky Mountains to view the elk. During the last few years, he lovingly cared for his wife in their home.
Besides his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by two brothers, Wayne and Russell Upshaw; one sister, Faye Krider; three sisters-in-law, Sue Upshaw, Suzi Upshaw and Sharon Upshaw; and one brother-in-law, Lonnie Krider. He is survived by his wife, Elgin Upshaw, of Mountain Grove; three daughters, LaSchell Bearden (Michael), of Bentonville, Ark.; Andrea Adams (Patrick), of Rogersville; and Sarah DeFazio (Rich), of Shingle Springs, Calif.; four grandchildren, Meryl Bearden (Ross), Catherine Chapman (Zachary), Bethany Williams (Logan) and Khrystina Martin (Cole); two great-grandchildren, Gideon Davitt and Kaleb Chapman; one sister, Kaye Johnson (Richard); one brother, Robert Upshaw; and other relatives and friends.  Visitation for Vernon Upshaw was held Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, from 10-11 a.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Funeral services followed the visitation at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gary Fry officiating. Song selections were “Welcome Home” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” Pat Adams, Rich DeFazio, Zachary Chapman, Logan Williams and Ross Otto served as pallbearers. Robert Upshaw, Michael Bearden, Gideon Davitt and Cole Martin served as honorary pallbearers. Burial with full military honors by the United States Army and American Legion Post No. 30 was in Denlow Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.