Irving "Totch" Fancher Upshaw

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”  John 15:13

Irving Fancher Upshaw III, “Totch” to those who knew and loved him, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2020, after 72 years of selfless service to others.

Totch was born in Amarillo, Texas on May 8, 1948, to Irving Fancher Upshaw Jr. and Margaret Jane Higgins. He graduated from Tascosa High School (1966) and Texas Tech University (1971) with a Bachelor of Science-Agronomy.

On January 25, 1969, Totch married the love of his life, Kathy Buckmiller, also of Amarillo. Totch and Kathy knew each other since kindergarten, but never dated until after High School.

Totch worked in the agricultural business as a real-estate broker and appraiser for 23 years, until he transitioned to his dream job serving as the Camp Ranger for Camp Don Harrington, Boy Scout Camp of the Golden Spread Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Totch was camp ranger for 11 years and remained a lifelong scouter and was honored as a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award.

Totch and Kathy are parents to four sons, Robert Fancher (51), Douglass McDaniel (48), David Brinton (46), and Joseph Thomas “Tommy” (41). Aaron Arthur Olmsted (45) is included as the 5 ^th son in this family of all boys.

Totch was a devoted father and husband and dedicated his life to his family.

He spent countless hours supporting his sons through Scouting, athletics, church service, and every other activity of life. His family was his life.

Totch never met a stranger and was always quick to serve those around him. His genuine care and respect for those he met endeared him to many people.

He loved the outdoors and working with his hands. Idleness did not sit well with him, so he was always engaged in some activity that was designed to make the life of someone else a little better.

The acts of service and kindness that Totch provided are innumerable and known only to God and to those that received them. The lives of those who knew and loved him are immeasurably better. He was truly a great and honest man and the earth is a little less than it was now that he has left it. His legacy continues and the challenge of carrying forward his noble acts and indomitable spirit rests with those who remain in this world without him.

Totch was a man of great faith and an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was sealed to his wife and family in the Lubbock, Texas Temple in June 2017.

Totch is preceded in death by his parents, Irving Fancher Upshaw, Jr. and Margaret Jane Higgins. Totch is survived by his sister Susan Upshaw, his loving wife Kathy, his sons Robert (Amanda) of San Antonio, Texas; Douglass of Las Cruces, New Mexico; David (Ginger) of Frisco, Texas; Tommy (Tiffany) of Allen, Texas; and Aaron (Shanna) of North Ridgeville, Ohio.

Totch and Kathy have 21 grandchildren.

There will be a Visitation from 10:00 am - Noon on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at Allen Family Funeral Options.

Those wishing to offer their condolences may visit the Upshaw family at Camp Don Harrington in Canyon, Texas on Thursday, May 7 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Due to the current restrictions surrounding group gatherings and in an effort to practice safe social distancing, we will be outdoors and physical contact may be limited.  Please come dressed casually.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.