Please keep the family of Billy Upham (Junction City) in your thoughts and prayers. Billy passed away this past Tuesday from cancer and his wife, Terri, is also battling cancer. Billy was State Kids Director back in the 1980's and was Club Director of the Junction City Kids Club for several years. His children (Billy III and Terra also came thru the kids program)
This is his obituary from the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Junction City --
Billy N. Upham Jr., 71, of Junction City, KS passed away on April 24, 2018.
Visitation will be held Sunday April 29, 2018, from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 630 S. Eisenhower Dr., Junction City, KS.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday April 30, 2018, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Junction City with Pastor Meier officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Immanuel Lutheran Church and/or the Junction City Wrestling Club.
Billy was born on June 21, 1946, Junction City, Kansas to Billy and Rosanna (Strauss) Upham. He lived the farm life growing up, milking many cows, and enjoying country life. He also played much golf on the first public golf course in Junction City, which was on the family property. Billy graduated from Junction City High School class of 1964. After High School, he wrestled competitively for Fort Hays State University for a year. He then worked for a short time for Firestone. After Firestone, Billy began his career in telecommunications as a cable splicer and retired after 36 years. He started with United Telephone Company, and he was able to experience its several transitions to what is now Century Link. He retired from the telecommunications field in 2013.
On January 22, 1982, he married Terri Smith on the wrestling mat at the 4H center of Junction City. Their union was blessed with two children, Billy and Terra. Terri and Billy have been residents of Junction City, Kansas for all their lives.
Billy was an avid sportsman and family man. He was a loving husband to his wife Terri, caring father to his children, adoring grandfather of one grand baby, and an awesome brother. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Junction City where he participated in the Lutheran Layman’s League (LLL) and was head usher. He was a big supporter of the Junction City Wrestling Club and the USA Kids Wrestling Program.
All those that were honored to know him would describe him as the most humble, genuine, strong, and faith abiding man. He will be dearly missed.
Billy is survived by his loving family: wife, Terri of the home; his daughter, Terra and husband Bret Reich of Junction City, KS; his son, Billy N. Upham, III of Junction City, KS; one grandchild Makenna Reich; two sisters Gloria and husband Melvin Blowers of GA, Kathleen and husband Kenneth Albers of Chapman, KS; one brother Kenneth and Kathleen Upham of Junction City, KS; many nieces and nephews; and a host of loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosanna and Billy N. Upham, Sr.
If you would like to send a card to the family, their address is:
2806 Liberty Hall Rd
Junction City, KS 66441
Leann Grater
Last edited by L Grater; 04/27/18 06:53 PM.
