Esther L. Upshaw

Esther L. Upshaw died Tuesday, January 20, 2004 in Austin, Texas. She was born in Oakwood, Texas December 1, 1913. Her father was Richard B. Long, Sr. and her mother was Leila Russell Long. She had two brothers and one sister, all of whom have predeceased her. Esther went to school in Oakwood, Texas, later attended Sam Houston State Teachers College and graduated as a Registered Nurse the 31st day of May 1940 from John Sealy College of Nursing of The University of Texas in Galveston, Texas. She entered the Army Air Force as a Second Lieutenant in the spring of 1941 and was serving in that capacity when World War II started. She remained in the service until she retired in 1967 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. Esther served with distinction during World War II aboard a hospital ship, transporting wounded service personnel from Europe back to the United States. After the war she was stationed with the United States Air Force in Weisbaden, Germany, where she married Lieutenant Colonel I.W. Upshaw in 1949. Unfortunately, 18 months later he died with a massive heart attack, and she elected to remain in the service until her retirement. During her service career she held many responsible command jobs, including that of Command Nurse of the Air Materiel Command. Esther was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, The Retired Officers Association, The Women’s Overseas Service League, The Order of the Eastern Star, The Daughters of the Nile, and several other service organizations. She was a loving and caring person, and always remained close to her family. She is survived by five nephews and their wives, Joe R. Long and Teresa of Austin, Texas, Walter R. Long, Jr. and Carolyn of Kenedy, Texas, Edwin S. Stone, III and Judy of El Paso, Texas, Richard Long Stone and Linda of Houston, Texas, and Richard B. Long, III and Kay of Spring, Texas. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, of whom she was very fond, Nella Fae Long of Spring, Texas. She is additionally survived by six great-nieces and nephews and seven great, great nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at the North Creek Cemetery in Leon County on Friday, January 23, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. The Pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Centerville will conduct the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78705 (512) 452-8811. You may view memorials online at www.wcfish.com