Herman William Upshaw transitioned from time to eternity on Friday, April 17, 2020 at Lincolnshire Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility in Merrillville, Indiana. Herman was born on January 14, 1932 to Isaiah and Odessa Upshaw in Charleston, Mississippi. At a very early age, Herman and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee. His elementary education was through St. Anthony Catholic School in Memphis. His higher education was at Booker T. Washington and Lemoyne-Owen College, also in Memphis. Herman enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as a Radio Operator. Upon returning to Memphis, he was employed with the U.S. Postal Service. In Memphis, he was united to his former wife, Amanda in 1956. To this union four children were born: Anthony, Lauren, Cheryl and Derrick. Starting a new life in 1965, Herman moved to Gary, Indiana and was employed at the U.S. Postal Service and later at U.S. Steel. In 1968, he was united to his wife, Lucille. To this union, four children were born: Marcus, Maureen, Christina and John. Herman confessed Christ at an early age. Upon arriving in Gary, he joined New Mt. Sinai M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. Jessie Mukes, where he served as a deacon and treasurer. He joined New Hope M.B. Church under the late Rev. Clarence Lodbell, where he served as a deacon and treasurer for the traveling choir. He visited Christ Baptist Church for a number of Sundays and later joined under the auspices of Dr. Colvin Blandford, where he served as a deacon. Lastly, Herman is a chartered member of Beyond 4 Walls Christian Center under the tutelage of Dr. W. Maurice White, Jr. Herman enjoyed being around family. He loved a good game of Bid Whist and was an avid Bears and Steelers fan. He will truly be missed ! Herman was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, Minnie Carr, Lillie Rushing and Neevie White, brother, MacAlbert Upshaw, and son, Anthony Upshaw. He leaves to mourn, his wife of 51 years, Lucille, daughters, Pamela Garrett, Lauren Tucker, Cheryl Upshaw, Maureen (Vincent) Williams, and Christina Upshaw, sons, Derrick Upshaw, Terrance (Sharon) Frazier, Marcus (Tabatha) Muhammad, John (Morgan) Upshaw, 20 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Two dear friends, David (D.T.) Tinner and Delmas Arthur and a host of other relatives and friends. Due to Coronavirus, services for Herman will be private. May God bless the Upshaw families.
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