Kenneth D. Upchurch

Kenneth D. Upchurch, age 74 years, a resident of Marion IL, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, April 11, 2026, at 8:27 a.m. with his loving family at his side at Sunshine Gardens in Marion, IL. Kenneth Douglas Upchurch, “Kenny”, was born to John and Mildred (Ing) Upchurch on January 28, 1952, at Holden Hospital in Carbondale, IL. He was raised in Creal Springs, IL by his doting parents, whom he cherished, and lived in the home he grew up in for 54 years. He worked in construction in his early years, later working at Orpack-Stone Corp for 10 years. Throughout all these years he “peddled” apples from Marion IL to Mt. Carmel and everywhere in between. His love of “peddling” began when he started doing this with his dad as a young child and continued to be a treasured hobby and passion until he no longer could do so. Additionally, continuing to follow in his dad’s footsteps, he later began collecting and selling copper. He loved being known as the “apple man” by the Marion City Hall, local banks, and the school where his beloved wife was a special education teacher. While physically, in the last years of his life he could not peddle apples, he remained to share his love & passion of it by talking to all his fellow residents and staff constantly at the Sunshine Gardens. Kenny was a member and Deacon at Second Baptist Church in Marion, IL. Kenny loved the Lord and would use every opportunity to speak to anyone about his Savior, resulting in leading many to accept Jesus as their own personal Savior. Although Kenny was no longer able to attend the physical building of the church, he carried his Bible with him all day long and still continued to spread the gospel. He has been a good and faithful servant and without a doubt heard those words loudly as he was welcomed into the gates of heaven. Kenny met the love of his life, Marilyn, and on November 4, 2006, they were united in marriage at Freedom Baptist Church in Marion, IL. While Kenny never had children or grandchildren of his own, he became a wonderful bonus parent and incredible grandpa. He loved his bonus children and grandchildren so much. Unfortunately, after almost 15 years of marriage, Marilyn passed on April 12, 2021, making Kenny’s death one day shy of the 5-year passing of his cherished wife. Kenny was the baby of five boys. He enjoyed spending time with his brothers. In the adult, elderly time of their lives he especially enjoyed going to McDonald’s with Joe and Jerry each morning and going on golf trips whether near or far. If you didn’t know them, you might hear them fussing about anything and everything, such as golf scores or biblical verses and assume they were enemies, but that couldn’t be further from the truth, as they were best friends and loved each other deeply. Kenny was preceded in death by his devoted parents, John and Mildred (Ing) Upchurch, brother James Upchurch and brother Mick Upchurch and his loving wife, Marilyn Upchurch. He is survived by his brothers Joe (Myrl) Upchurch & Jerry (Brenda) Upchurch, sisters-in-law, Charlene Upchurch and Robbie Upchurch, stepdaughter, Missy (Terry) Coonce, stepson Mike (Tracey) Cook, grandchildren Brody, Lucas, Madison, Madi, Mya, as well as 4 nieces, 3 nephews, many great nieces and nephews (which he was affectionately called “Uncle Junk” by some of his great nieces and nephews) and many wonderful friends both old and new. Kenny has been esteemed by so many for his kindness, his loving nature, playful personality and charismatic spirit. He could wow you with quickly reciting the 50 states in alphabetical order or using mental math rapidly and correctly. He is and will continue to be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon, April 16, 2026, at 1 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Rev. Ashby Tillery will officiate. Burial will be in Busby Chapel Cemetery, south of Goreville. Visitation will be conducted Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 11 A.M. until the service hour at 1 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 5 Schiber Port, Suite C., Maryville, Illinois 62062.

Kenneth D. Upchurch

January 28, 1952 - April 11, 2026