Funeral services for Rev. Forrest Aldon Upchurch will be held on Saturday, August 6th, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. in the First Baptist Church of Hugo, OK, with Pastor Doug McClure officiating. Forrest passed away August 4, 2011, at the age of 93. Rev.
Forrest Aldon Upchurch the son of James David and Florence (Ponder) Upchurch was born February 28, 1918, in Roseboro, Arkansas. Forrest married Lois Melvine Dossey, September 26, 1942, in Durant, OK. He has lived in Hugo since 1973, moving from Las Cruces, New Mexico. Forrest surrendered to God’s call to the ministry in a foxhole in North Africa in the fall of 1942. He was licensed by First Baptist Church, Durant, Oklahoma on December 5, 1945 and was ordained in 1946. He pastored churches in Bennington, Clayton, and Poteau, Oklahoma, Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Alamogordo, and Mesilla Park, New Mexico, and then served as Director of Missions, Frisco Baptist Association, Hugo, Oklahoma. After retiring in 1986 he continued to serve God’s Kingdom through interim pastorates, revivals including preaching, singing, Bible studies, supply preaching, leading seminars, and writing the history of the Frisco Baptist Association. His ministry of over 50 years was in full partnership with Lois, his loving wife of almost 69 years. He was known as a gifted man of God, with a voice that could raise the roof when he preached or sang "The King is Coming". All of his family and the multitude of friends who have surrounded him throughout his long life will miss him.
He is preceded in death by his son, John Wayne Upchurch; father, James David Upchurch; mother, Florence Ponder Upchurch; beloved aunts, uncles and friends.
He is survived by his wife Lois Melvine (Dossey) Upchurch; his brother Morris John Upchurch; son David Earl Upchurch and wife Margaret Darlene Upchurch; daughter, Jan Marie Upchurch; Dan Royce Upchurch and wife Susan Sullivan Upchurch; eight Grandchildren and 19 Great-Grandchildren.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Baptist Village Communities or a charity of your choice.
The family will receive friends, Friday, August 5, 2011, at the Prater-Lampton Mills & Coffey Funeral Home between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m.
