With our family’s deepest grief, we announce the November 3, 2024, passing of loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Robert Earl Upton, 91, of Livingston, Texas. Bob (known in Alabama as Robert Earl) was born on August 15, 1933, to Elbert D. and Mattie Lee Upton in Dancy, Alabama.
Upon graduation from Aliceville High School, Bob joined the Army where he was stationed in Korea during wartime. After proudly serving three years in the Army, Bob traveled to Freeport, Texas where he had secured employment with The Dow Chemical Company. Retiring after 31 years, Bob then worked the next five years in food service with Brazosport Independent School District.
Bob shared with his family his love for the outdoors, animals, music from the 40s and 50s (Elvis!) and history – especially the Civil War. Moving to their property in Livingston brought Bob much peace and contentment, as he enjoyed casting a pole into their pond, watching the deer graze, the birds’ nest, the squirrels sneaking the birds’ seeds, and just relaxing under the gazebo with a good, hot mug of Folgers.
Though a quiet man, he was a powerful presence in our lives. With unwavering love and strength, Bob raised two sons, Ronald Ray (Melissa) Upton of Kingwood, Texas and Charles Scott (Stephanie) Upton of Rowlett, Texas. Also left to remember his love are his five grandchildren, Christopher, Benjamin, William, Samantha and Chase and great-grandson, Brooks.
More importantly, Bob shared 60 beautiful years with his life’s love, Carol Jean Robison Upton. Most weekends would find them in each other’s arms on a dance floor. When not twirling to tunes, Bob and Carol committed much time to their local VFW Chapter, helping to enrich the lives of fellow veterans and their community of Livingston, Texas, where they moved to in 1998.
Bob (Robert Earl) was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers and two sisters.
We’ll dearly miss you and your gentle kindness, Bob, Pop, Papa and Great-Papa. We will forever remember you with great respect, an abundance of smiles and much love.
A celebration of Bob’s (Robert Earl’s) well-lived and loved life will be held at a later date in Cochrane, Alabama.
The family would like to sincerely thank family, friends and neighbors for their enduring kindness and the caring staffs at Visiting Angels, St. Luke’s Health/Memorial Hospital, Pine Ridge Health Care and Rehabilitation and Harbor Hospice, all of Livingston, Texas.
Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com. 417
