Obituaries 081320

Melvin Aaron Baker, Sr.
WATER VALLEY—Melvin Aaron Baker, Sr., age 63, passed away at his home in Water Valley on August 4, 2020.
Born in Cleveland, he was a son of  the late Melvin Arvis Baker and Billie Fae Foster Baker. He joined the United States Army, where he received numerous college credits in a variety of areas. He fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and later became a longtime security officer for Baptist Hospital in Oxford. Melvin was also a certified truck driver and a self-employed carpenter. His children describe him as a true gentleman, a wonderful neighbor to all who lived around him, and an outdoors-man who taught his children to enjoy fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed his Harley bike and the freedom he felt while riding it.
Melvin is survived by three children, Melvin Baker, Jr. of Water Valley, Karmen Baker Simmons (Barry) of Water Valley, and Travis Baker of LaPorte, Texas; a sister, Janice Weeks of Madison; a brother, David Baker (Debra) of Cleveland; and four grandchildren, Blair Johnson, Lauren Baker, Sterling Baker, and Emilee Baker.
The family had a private service on Thursday, August 6, to share memories and celebrate Melvin’s  life.

Carl Phillips
WATER VALLEY—Carl Phillips, age 60, passed away August 8, 2002, in the family home.
Visitation was held Tuesday, August 11, from 4-6 p.m. in Serenity Daniels Chapel at Water Valley. A private service was held.
On March 3, 1960, the Lord saw fit to bless Raymond and Ora Lee Phillips with their fourth of eight children. Carl was better know as Carl Edward, Stage Coach and Cool Breeze. As a child, he always kept a smile on his face and would be the first one to give you the shirt off his back, if needed. Carl accepted Christ at an early age at Bayson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor D. W. Willis. Carl was born and raised in Water Valley. He graduated from Water Valley High School, Class 1978, and attended Northwest Community College in Senatobia. He served in the Mississippi National Guard for 20 years. He was a devoted worker at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Blue Springs.
Celebrating his life and counting his legacy are three sons, Taruno Martrell Carothers, Decarlos Dontrel Moore (Cecile Steen), and Carlton Ta’Shon Phillips; five grandchildren, Ja’Quarrius, Davion, Dylan, Kyle and Presleigh; his parents, Raymond and Ora Lee Phillips; four sisters, Maxine Ross (Clinton, deceased), Sallie Greenleaf (Dennis), Annie Fondon (Michael), and Kathleen Hawkins (Ray); three brothers, Roy Phillips (Shirley), Wayne Phillips (Bennia), and Darrell Phillips (Dorris);  27 nieces and nephews; 24 great-nieces and nephews; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Alan Lee Upchurch
OXFORD—Alan Lee Upchurch, 72, died Thursday, August 6, 2020, in the Mississippi State Veteran’s Home at Oxford.
The funeral service was  held at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home in Oxford, with Rev. Rocky Watts officiating. Burial followed in Shipp Cemetery in Lafayette County. Visitation was held from 1 p.m. until service time in the funeral home. In accordance with guidelines issued by the State of Mississippi, social distancing measures were followed and face coverings were worn.
Born in Lafayette County, October 30, 1947, Alan was a son of the late Herman Franklin and Pearl Lou Christman Upchurch. Private First Class Upchurch served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He retired as a Boiler Technician Supervisor from the University of Mississippi. Alan also enjoyed fishing and playing dominos, cards and bingo. He was a family man and a member of Toxish Baptist Church in Pontotoc.
Mr. Upchurch is survived by his wife, Janice Thweatt Upchurch of Oxford; a daughter, Karen Upchurch Callahand of Water Valley; a son,  Kenneth Upchurch (Bridget) of Oxford; and four grandchildren, Noah Callahand, Logan Callahand, Parker Callahand and Hagen Upchurch.
Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Shipp Cemetery Fund, c/o Larry Overtreet, 212 Adams Ave., Oxford, Ms 38655.
In honor of Mr. Upchurch’s service to our country, the flag of the United States Army was flown at Waller Funeral Home.

Rev. Lugene Walker
WATER VALLEY—Rev. Lugene Walker, 58, transitioned from his earthly home to heaven, July 27, 2020, at his residence in Water Valley.
Born January 5, 1962, Rev. Walker, also known as “Lu,” was born to the late Willie Bell and James Walker. He confessed Christ at an early age in Everdale Baptist Church at Water Valley, then later joined Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Coffeeville, where he was a faithful member. His formal graduation was at Water Valley High School. He was employed with Parker Hannifin at Batesville. Lugene was united in holy matrimony to the late Beverly Walker.
He leaves to cherish his memory three daughters, Patrice Walker of Water Valley, Lakeisha Walker and Brittany Wesley, both of Coffeeville; a goddaughter, Cassie Odell of Oxford; one son, Wesley Walker (Chanita) of Water Valley; two step-children, Regional and Josiah Tenner  of Water Valley; three brothers, Curtis Robinson (Bessie) of Detroit, Mich., James Jenkins (Doris) of Oxford and Robert Walker (Beverly) of Water Valley; three sisters, Birda  Brown (Cleveland) of Coffeeville, Dorothy Haywood (James) of Omaha, Neb and Ruby  Walker of Water Valley; three grandchildren, Quatricia Franklin, Kentrell Walker, and Lafaysha Martin; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one brother, Leon Robinson, and one daughter, Felicia Walker.
Visitation was held Friday, August 7, from 5-7 p.m. in Serenity-Daniels Funeral  Home at Water Valley. A graveside service was held Saturday, August 8, at 11 a.m.  in Oak Ridge Cemetery at Water Valley.