BOMBER MEMORIAL

ROBERT GLENN "BOB" UPCHURCH ~ Class of 1962
January 16, 1944 - October 20, 2025



Robert Glenn "Bob" Upchurch went to be with his Savior on October 20, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born January 16, 1944, in Denver, CO to Horace and Eleanor Upchurch. The family moved to Richland when he was a year old. Bob attended Sacajawea Elementary School, Chief Jo Junior High School, and Richland's Columbia High School (Class of 1962). After graduating from high school, Bob served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. He loved his country and was proud to serve. Bob then worked for Northern Pacific Railroad and became very interested in trains. Then he began his 40-year career, working at multiple Hanford contractors in various Analysis, Quality Control and Environmental areas. Bob later earned a Master Certificate in Contracting from The George Washington University and retired as a government contract administrator.

He loved bird hunting and studied how to train his dogs. He loved boating and fishing with the family. He found peace at the lake (God’s country) where he passed his fishing knowledge on to others. Bob was a great bridge player, enjoying playing and teaching others.

Bob attained the second highest level (AA) in the very competitive skeet shooting world. He won the Canadian-American Open held in Montreal in the 1980’s, and many other tournaments around the Northwest.

He enjoyed a good German meal; his favorite restaurants were in Portland and Spokane. He cooked up a dish for the family, sauerbraten with gingersnap gravy, which tasted better than it smelled. His stroganoff was another specialty dish.

Bob had a good sense of humor. He loved spending time with his family. The memories that have been created having him as Husband, Dad, Uncle, and Grandpa (Papa Bob) are priceless. Those memories will be cherished forever.

He loved his music: John Denver, the Moody Blues, Don Williams, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Pat Boone, the Beach Boys, and Neil Diamond. Any and all hymns, one of his favorite hymns is the Doxology.

Bob is survived by his wife, Eva; son, Jason Upchurch (Jodee); daughters, Jacquie Strand and Andrea Upchurch; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild; and his sister, Karen Upchurch Bowman ('66).

“God is good, pain is gone – blessed is the name of the Lord”.

Public viewing will be from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Einan's at Sunset; 915 Bypass Highway; Richland, WA 99352. Celebration of life will follow from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Express your thoughts and memories in the Einan's Online Guest Book.

Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).