Harold Wynn Lupton, 71, of Overland Park, KS, passed away Friday, September 13, 2019. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Wednesday, September 18th at Porter Funeral Home in Lenexa, KS. His celebration of life service will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, September 19th at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, 12251 Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS 66213. Burial to follow at the National Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS.
Harold was born November 27, 1947, in Lowell, MA. Growing up an only child, he enjoyed boy scouts and summers on the beach in New Hampshire. He graduated from Dracut Senior High School in 1964 and received an Associates degree from Stonehill College in Easton, MA. He served 4 years in the United States Navy achieving the rank of a DK2 (2nd Class Petty Officer Disbursing Clerk, E-5). He served on the USS Brownson stationed in Newport, RI. He was a proud “Seabee” whose motto is to “We Build, We Fight.” He served in the Vietnam War and was honored to call himself a veteran. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia and Rifleman Medal (Marksman). After retiring from the Navy, Harold began a career in sales at Sealtest Ice Cream and then started a family with his wife, Marie, while living in Massachusetts. He relocated to Lenexa, KS in 1981 where he then resided for most of his life. As the owner of Lenexa Stamp Company for 20 years, he was known as the “Stampman”, selling stamps to collectors nationwide. Harold ended his work career by returning to his military roots, working for 3 years at the Defense Finance and Accounting Services.
Harold was a dedicated father, taking joy in being his son’s soccer coach, a boy scout leader, church camp counselor, and girl scout volunteer. He never missed his children’s activities including cross country races, marching band events, soccer and softball games. He loved to open his home to young people, whom he would treat as sons and daughters, cooking for them and laughing with them around the table. Harold gave his life to Jesus in his mid-thirties and found much joy in serving the Lord. He was Sunday School director at St. Thomas for many years. He enjoyed being a leader at youth events including Happening and church camp at the YMCA in Elmdale, KS. In his later years, Harold fell in love with lake life! He spent over 25 summers with Marie enjoying his boat on Grand Lake in Oklahoma which he was proud to call his second home. One of his greatest joys in life was seeing his family grow and receiving a new name, Papa. His favorite tradition was to send his grandchildren cards on all occasions with $2 bills inside! Surrounded by his entire family, Harold took his final breath on earth simultaneously taking his first breath as he entered the Kingdom of Heaven.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Alice Lupton. His legacy will live on through his wife of 47 years, Marie J. Lupton, three children Michael (Raina) Lupton, Edgerton, KS, Jen (Greg) Owens, Kansas City, MO, Kim (Joe) Tauke, Germantown Hills, IL, his nine grandchildren: Kylen, Brennen, Larken, Lexi, Brendan, Hailey, Brooklyn, Aiden, Miles, and two great-grandchildren, Gracelynn and Bella.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Harold’s honor to the Kansas City Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis at www.kcpulmonaryfibrosis.org. Donations may also be mailed to:
The Kansas City Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis
13725 Metcalf Ave, Box 286
Overland Park, KS 66223