Leslie "Les" Dee Upton, of Harrison, Arkansas went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at Mt. Vista Nursing and Rehabilitation at the age of 89.

The son of Roy Willard Upton and Sudie (Lee) Upton Davis was born at Jonesboro, Arkansas on April 30, 1930. He was a graduate of Jonesboro High School. He was also a graduate of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro with a Master's Degree in Education Administration.

Les' teaching career spanned 31 years until his retirement in 1991. He taught at Jonesboro, St. Genevieve, Missouri; Lead Hill, where he also served as Superintendent from 1969-1972 and Bergman, where he taught for 19 years, until he retired. He also served as past president of the Retired Teacher Association of Arkansas. As a teacher, he was very proud that he treated all his students equally. Every student he ever taught knew the 23 helping verbs.

Les was also a Korean War Veteran, serving in the US Navy on the USS Boxer CV-21 as a Radar Operator. He was enlisted in the Navy from 1950-1954 and was also a member of the Arkansas National Guard. He spent 23 years in service to his country. He also served as former commander of VFW Post 2881.

He was a member of Northvale Baptist Church. He was also a Master Mason, and was a member of the Harrison and Bellefonte Masonic Lodge. He was a recipient of the 50-Year Mason Pin and the Pillars of Solomon Award.

He enjoyed fishing, traveling and eating out. He was the rock of his family. He was an honorable and wonderful husband, father and papaw. His priorities were the Lord and church, his family and his country.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Pete Neal and Charlie Upton and a sister, Geraldine Lawson.

Les is survived by his wife of 58 years, Peggy Upton; his son, David Upton and wife Farrah of Harrison; his daughters, Darlene Trammell and husband Bruce of Bellefonte and Dee Breedlove and husband Michael of Western Grove; 8 grandchildren, Heath, Magan, Jessica, Justin, Chassidy, Ashley, Mickey and Skyler; 14 great grandchildren; a host of extended family and many friends who loved him and will miss him.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, September 6, 2019 at Northvale Baptist Church with Pastor Byron Cothran officiating. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday from 6-8 PM at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison.

Pallbearers are Rick Stevens, Heath Trammell, Michael Breedlove, Andrew Wright, Josh Rodman and Bruce Trammell.

On-line condolences may be left at www.coffmanfh.com.