Obituary of Douglas J. Upton

Douglas J. Upton, 79, of Englewood, FL, passed away on February 18, 2024. He was born October 22, 1944 in Greenville, OH to parents Samuel & Celista (Folkerth) Upton. Growing up he was active in the EUB Church in Greenville. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1962 and graduated from Ohio Northern University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. He earned his Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH, in 1992.

For 20 years he taught music in public schools in Ohio, including Ada, Pandora-Gilboa, and Lincolnview. He served four years as Executive Director of Youth for Christ of West Central Ohio and as Director of the Contemporaries music group. After attending seminary, he became an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church. Over the next 21 years, he served as pastor of the following Ohio churches: West Leipsic, Bethel, Mt. Victory, Ridgeway, and St. Paris. After retirement he served at Logansport (IN) Memorial Hospital as both a volunteer and chaplain. Over the years, he directed several church choirs and played in local bands. After moving to Florida four years ago, he and his wife, Julie attended and were members of Christ Venice Church. Throughout his life, he enjoyed playing his trumpet and using his musical abilities for the glory of God. Faith, family, and music were most important in his life.

Doug and his beloved wife, Julie, were high school sweethearts and were married for 58 ½ years. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Julie (Sechler), sons Steve (Christa) Upton and Dave (Jenny) Upton, and daughter Tammy (Jared) Smith. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Caleb (Kate) Upton, Nathan Upton, Kelsy (Drew) Campbell, Alyssa Upton, and Sarah Upton. He was proceeded in death by his parents and his brother, Cyrus Upton.

Funeral service will be Thursday, February 22 at 5:00pm at Christ Venice Church, 1475 Center Rd, Venice, FL, with visitation from 3:00-5:00pm. Graveside service and burial will be at Greenville Union Cemetery on Friday, March 1 at 11:00am. Memorial contributions may be given to Alzheimer’s Association or Tidewell Hospice.