Bishop L.P. Upton

He is survived by his wife Helen Godwin Upton, his son, Paul Allan Upton and wife, Stella LeDoux Upton, his daughter, Renee’ Price and husband, William (Bill) Price. His grandchildren, Jessica Balderas and husband, Jose’, Eric Upton and wife, Leah LeFevre Upton, Liana Upton and Adam Price. His great grandchildren, Jenna Balderas and Joel Upton. His sisters, Rhoda Wilkins Nevenner and Nancy Harger and husband, Charles. His nephew, Stuart Wilkins, and nieces, Rachel Harger and Charla Harger Berry.

Leo Upton graduated high school from Apostolic College in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He received his Doctor of Divinity from Biblical Apostolic University in Lancaster, TX.

He was ordained as a minister in the United Pentecostal Church International in 1953. He served as a sectional youth director in the UPCI Texas District. He is a member of the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ and has served as a Louisiana Superintendent and National Missions Director. He is a member of the Worldwide Pentecostal Fellowship.

Leo Upton followed in his father’s footsteps of preaching. He began his preaching ministry at the age of 16 years old. He began evangelizing at 18 years old and has since held several hundred revivals, has assisted various pastors, and established several churches. He pastored in Sioux Falls, SD, Huntington, TX, Arlington, TX, Houston, TX, and Sulphur, LA. He did missions work in Mexico, Chili, Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Brazil, Nigeria, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Ireland, Wales, and the United Kingdom.

He arrived to accept the pastorate of Pentecostal Gospel Lighthouse, now Lighthouse Tabernacle, in September, 1972. He served as pastor for twenty-six years and then was ordained as Bishop in 1998 and served in that capacity until his death. During those years of service he saw two sanctuaries and a Family Life Center built. Approximately fifteen ministers from Lighthouse Tabernacle have gone on to establish their own ministry. Two daughter churches were established through his ministry.

He was a member of the American Biographical Institute and was honored for outstanding professional and public service. He was honored in Who’s Who of America. He was honored by the State of Louisiana: Colonel of Staff and as Aide-de-Camp, Executive Department.

He was an accomplished musician playing the piano, trumpet, guitar, accordion, and organ. He began singing in church services as a young child. He used his beautiful voice and musical ability to minister to others for many, many years. His songs of praise and words of instruction and encouragement have ministered to people around the world and will be greatly missed.

Funeral Services will be 7 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2011 at Lighthouse Tabernacle in Sulphur. Visitation will be at the church Wednesday evening from 6-9 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m. til time of service. Burial will be in Mimosa Pines South. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com. Donations can be made to Bishop Upton Memorial Fund For Missions at Lighthouse Tabernacle, 901 Prater Rd. Sulphur, LA 70663.