Thomas Upton

Mr. Thomas David "Dave" Upton, 54, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, March 2, 2011. Dave was born February 28, 1957, a son of Thomas E. Upton and Susan O. (Martin) Merrill. Dave enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served honorably in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, in Operation Provide Promise and Deny Flight, and in Operation Restore Hope in Somolia. While serving in the military, he earned a degree in business and also served as a chaplain during Operation Desert Storm. He later retired from the Marine Corp as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. Following his retirement and honorable discharge, he received a degree in divinity while living in Florida and worked as an ordained minister. He returned to Wyoming in 2003 to care for his grandmother and in November 2007, he met his wife, Shu Hua, and they married on April 18, 2008. During his short stay in Cheyenne, he enjoyed working as a chaplain for the Civil Air Patrol. Dave is survived by his loving wife, Shu Hua Upton of Cheyenne; his mother, Susan Merrill of Cheyenne; his father, Thomas E. Upton of Homosassa, FL; two daughters, Monica S. White and Melissa L. Bodo, both of Florida; three brothers, Daniel L. Upton of Cheyenne, Lee O. Upton of Cheyenne, and G. Scott Storrs of North Dakota; three step-brothers, Richard Merrill, Earl Merrill, and Kerry Merrill, all of Cheyenne; one step-sister, Jody Lopez of Greeley, CO; and two grandchildren, Michael and Elie Bodo, both of Cheyenne Visitation will be held on Monday, March 7, 2011, from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. at the Schrader Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, March 8th at 1:00 p.m.at the Schrader Chapel with The Reverend David Stratton. An interment service with military honors will follow at Beth El Cemetery.

Service

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 1:00pm

Schrader Chapel

2323 Carey Avenue

CHEYENNE, WY 82001

Visitation

Monday, March 7, 2011 10:00am - 8:00pm

Schrader Funeral Home

2323 Carey Avenue

CHEYENNE, WY 82001

Interment

Beth El Cemetery

Pershing Avenue

CHEYENNE, WY 82001