Walter Lee Upchurch

Herrin- Walter Lee Upchurch, 83, of Herrin, passed away at 10:52 PM, Saturday, April 3, 2010 at his home. Walter was born on May 7, 1926 in Clifford to Walter & Ethel (Casey) Upchurch. He married Marie Odle on November 8, 2000 in Crossville, TN. She survives of Herrin. He was a veteran of the Korean War while enlisted in the US Army Air Force. Once honorably discharged, he returned home and worked until retirement as a coal miner at Old Ben #25 and was a Journeyman Carpenter out of the Murphysboro Carpentry Union. He was a member of Jesus Only Church in Herrin and was a member of the United Mine Workers of America. Survivors include- Wife- Marie Upchurch of Herrin Daughter- Linda Kefalas of Lake Villa Daughter- Sarah Upchurch of Chicago Daughter- Darlene Oblak of Wood Park Daughter- Kathy Moffatt and husband Tim of Goreville Son- Randy Upchurch and wife Kelly of Hurst Daughter- Diana Heath and husband John of Herrin Daughter- Karen Dame & husband Tim of Energy Twenty Six Grandchildren Thirty Great Grandchildren Sister- Virginia Jinny Rossin & husband Bob of Herrin Several nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, previous wives- Aurora Upchurch and June Upchurch, grandson- David Pierce, granddaughter- Jamie Eckles, brothers- Charles and Kenneth Upchurch and three sisters- Lillian Davis, Mildred Christian and Ann Burnette. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 8, 2010 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Pastor Roy Paul Upchurch will officiate. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. Military rites will be performed at graveside by the Herrin VFW and American Legion Posts. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 PM, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St/ Herrin, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.