Robert Dean Upton, 73
Robert Dean Upton entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born in Ohiowa, NE, on June 27, 1936, the third son of Dr. Verne Lewis and Naida May (Roder) Upton. At age 7, his family moved to Hastings, Nebraska, and, following the death of his father in 1948, at age 12, his mother moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he completed his formal education at Lincoln Senior High School. Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Navy and served for over 24 years, rising to the highest rank of a non-commissioned officer, Master Chief (E-9). After completing his long and distinguished career in the Navy, he joined the San Diego Union Tribune, applying his knowledge and expertise as a pressman for 16 years. Upon retiring from the newspaper, he moved to Kalispell to enjoy his retirement years hunting, fishing and golfing. He met and married Fumiko Yamauro Upton in 1962 while stationed in Japan. She preceded him in death in 2001. After the death of his first wife he met and married Bonnie Sorensen West, Feb. 27, 2005. He enjoyed traveling, attending concerts, good times with family, friends and neighbors, and his involvement at Stillwater Free Lutheran Church. Bob is survived by his wife, Bonnie, sister, Jean Behrends, and husband, William E. Behrends, of Houston; a niece, Dr. Ann Behrends, DDS, and husband, Ron Bolin, of DeRidder, LA; brother, Dr. William H. Upton, DDS, and wife, Betty, of Superior, NE.; nieces, Pam Hoefs and husband, Dr. Mike Hoefs, DDS, of Lincoln, NE and Vickie Sweet and husband, Harold Sweet, of Superior, NE ; brother Vernes wife, Willie Upton, of Irvine, CA ; nieces, Nancy Kenney and husband, Jim Kenney, of San Antonio, TX and Carol Sue Dummit and husband, Bruce Dummit, of Carlsbad, CA; and two cousins Bob grew up with, Larry Warren of Scottsdale, AZ, and Fred Warren of Toano, VA. Preceding Bob in death were his father and mother; wife, Fumiko; and brother, Verne, who died Aug. 15, 2006. Services were held Sunday, Oct. 25, at Stillwater Free Lutheran Church, 1401 Church Dr.,in Kalispell. The family suggests memorials to Stillwater Free Lutheran Church or Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Bob was recognized with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery March 29, 2010.
His final resting place is in the Columbarium at Arlington.
Miramar Master Naval Jet Station
Pt. Mugu Naval Air Station
Monterey Naval Air Station
Millington Naval Air Training Center
USS Kitty Hawk
Sasabo Naval Air Station
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Arlington National Cemetery
Farewell Bob! You are part of history at Arlington! R.I.P.
Aviation Electronics Technician ATMC
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