Paul F Upton

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Paul Franklin Upton Jr., 82, of Carmel, Indiana. He went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, January 5, 2026.

He was born on March 15, 1943, in Decatur, Illinois, to the late Paul Franklin Sr. and Rosalyn (Mathias) Upton. After graduating from Eisenhower High School in 1961, where he was a three-sport letterman in football, wrestling, and track, Paul went on to study at the University of Illinois, where he played football and was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. Paul was employed by the Kroger Company, and retired as Vice President of Gateway Freightline, Inc. in 1999.

After college, Paul met the love of his life, Marty Weigelmann, at IAA & FS Services, in Bloomington, Illinois. After a long series of unsuccessful date invitations, Marty finally accepted Paul’s invite. They were married on April 15, 1967, celebrating 58 years of marriage in 2025. One of the greatest joys in his life was being a father to his beautiful children, Mike and Dee Dee. He was devoted to being the #1 fan, supporter, and mentor in their lives. He was the best Opa to his eight grandchildren, always sharing stories, teaching life skills, and listening with intent. Paul treasured his extended family of many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. His strong, funny, and loving presence will be missed by all.

Paul loved working in his yard, tinkering on projects, taking trips to Menards, and sitting in his garage, ready to strike up a conversation with neighbors and friends. He enjoyed watching sports, especially Illinois basketball and football. He was an IndyCar racing fan and enjoyed attending the Indianapolis 500, along with backyard volleyball and BBQ. Paul was a lifelong fisherman, a meditative passion he shared with his children, grandchildren, and friends.

Paul is survived by his wife, Marty; his children, Michael “Mike” Upton (wife, Angie) and Deanna “Dee Dee” Bracken-Baxter, both of Carmel, Indiana; eight grandchildren, Rachel Upton Meyer (husband, Dalton), of Evansville, Indiana, Haley Bracken of Brooklyn, New York, Morgan Bracken of Chicago, Illinois, Jacob Bracken, Kylie Upton, George “Trey” Baxter III, Brooke Baxter, and William “Max” Baxter, all of Carmel, Indiana; and his great-grandchild, Henry Meyer. He is also survived by beloved extended family members, including sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, cousin, and a wonderful host of nieces, and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his grandmother, Gladys Pearl Jester Mathias; his sister, Sharon Kay Upton-Frazier; and many extended family and friends he loved so dearly.

A service to honor and celebrate Paul’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Cornerstone Lutheran Church, 4850 E Main Street, Carmel, Indiana 46033, where he was a member. A burial at Carmel Cemetery, 1000 N Rangeline Rd, Carmel, Indiana 46032, will follow, beginning at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Paul’s honor to Cornerstone Lutheran Church by mailing a check with “In honor of Paul F. Upton–Cornerstone Lutheran Foundation” noted on the memo line, or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. Donations may also be made online at https://diabetes.org under memorials and honorariums.