William Herschel "Bud" Upton

William Herschel (Bud) Upton, 82, of San Angelo passed away on Monday, September 11, 2023.

Bud was born November 28, 1940, to William Cullen (Bill) and Eloise Barbee Upton.

Bud is a fifth-generation rancher and continued to ranch that same land until his last days. His father, along with his grandparents, Herschel C. and Maggie Jones Upton, and great grandparents, Will C. and Isabella McCrohan Jones, influenced his life and love for ranching.

In 1959, Bud graduated from Southern Arizona School for Boys in Tucson, Arizona and attended Texas Christian University, studying in the Ranch Management Program. He and Harriett Martin were married on March 10th, 1978, and spent their lives on the ranch in southern Tom Green and Schleicher counties.

Bud’s involvement in the sport of rodeo grew from his love of ranching and roping. He became a member of the Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1966 and a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association since inception in 1976. He is a five-time National Finals Rodeo Steer Roping qualifier and a Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee. Bud dedicated countless hours to promote the sport of rodeo with his involvement in the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association beginning in 1961. He served on the board of directors for 25 years, Rodeo Chairman for 20 years, Chairman of the Roping Fiesta for 14 years and president of the

organization from 1986-1988. He enjoyed hunting and flying his plane on the ranch. He was also a member of the Texas Sheep and Goat Raiser’s and Texas Cattle Raiser’s Association.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Harriett Upton; children, Herschel Lee Upton (Maja); Candice Belle Upton Powell (Roy); Margaret Ruth Upton Porter (P.J.); grandchildren, Whitney Upton Arp (Jacob); Pamela Bailey Upton; Cooper Lee Upton; great grandchild, Henry Arp; sister, Carolyn Upton Quillen (William); nephews, William Upton Quillen (Ginger); James Blake Quillen; great nephew and niece, William and Morgan Quillen.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M., Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Republic Services Fiesta Building, 70 E. 43rd Street, San Angelo, TX 76903. The Graveside service will be 3:00 P.M., Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Upton Ranch Cemetery., 24145 Susan Peak Road, San Angelo, Texas, with a reception following.

Pallbearers are Rey Guevara, Quinten Holik, Kevin Noland, Nathan Timm, Pat Jackson and Matt York.

Honorary pallbearers are R.D. Barron, Adren Cunningham, Billy Frank Good, Charles Good, Pake McEntire, Jim Murfin, Lanny Tate, Kermit Wendland, Mike Whittemore and Clark Wood.

The family would welcome memorial donations to Sonrisas Therapeutic Riding, West Texas Boys Ranch or a charity of your choice.

Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.