Tributes

Alphonzo D. Upchurch is a child of God. He was born on September 10, 1941 in Washington, D.C. and later moved to Philadelphia, PA. He entered Benjamin Franklin High School in Philadelphia and graduated in June, 1959. Al enlisted in the US Marine Corps on September 30, 1961 and remained on active duty a total of 4 years, 3 months, and 29 days, which includes 4 months of involuntary extension due to the Viet Nam Crisis. Of this time, he spent 1 year and 16 days in Japan. He studied rifle range coaching, and in this capacity trained enlisted men and officers in sight alignment and various firing positions. On September 3, 1971 he moved to Washington, D.C. where he joined the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MDPC) and was sworn in on September 7, 1971. Alphonzo worked in the following capacities: Tact Squad, Narcotics, and Morals (Prostitution and Perversion). In January, 1975 he attended the Police Academy, studying Crime Scene Search procedures. These included investigating physical evidence, field testing for narcotics, and creating diagrams needed for evidence for the judge and jury in trials. Alphonzo moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2004. He became involved in his community, joining COP, Neighbors Against Crime, Prue Road SAPD Board, and the Woods of Shavano Board of Directors until the time of his death. He was a member of True Vine Baptist Church, where he served as head usher in 2005. On Thursday, September 20, 2018, Alphonzo peacefully closed his eyes to rest safely in the arms of Jesus Our Lord. He joins his mother, Ella Feaster, brother Robert Upchurch, grandmother Della Upchurch, and aunt Mary Shockley who all preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 35 years of marriage Phyllis Upchurch; children Shalana Quarles of Portland, OR, Stephanie Frederick of San Antonio, TX, Keith Morton of Harrisburg, PA, and Stephen Morton Sr. of Shippensburg, PA; four grandchildren Caesar Quarles, Eric Dayd, Stephen Morton, Jr., and Courtney Morton all of Harrisburg, PA; two great-grandchildren Bryson Morton and Mason Morton; his two faithful pets, Vegas and Sebastian Upchurch; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was especially beloved and will be greatly missed by all of his Woods of Shavano family and friends. Finally, Alphonzo’s wife would like to thank our special friends who supported us during the years of Alphonzo’s health problems. Mrs. Upchurch and family will receive friends following the Service for the Repast (Reception) at the Woods of Shavano Club House ~ 13838 Parksite Woods 78249.

Tributes

Alphonzo D. Upchurch

September 10, 1941 - September 20, 2018