David Emerson Lupton, age 83 of Florence, Alabama passed into the arms of his Savior on Friday, January 17, 2025, following a brief illness. David was a beloved husband, father and grandfather to his family who will dearly miss him.

David was born in Philipsburg, PA on July 10, 1941. Growing up as a “baker’s son” in the small town of Union City, PA was only the beginning for Dave. He enjoyed a full and wonderful life which included three careers that took him all over the country. After receiving an undergraduate degree from Penn State University, he joined the United States Air Force entering through Officer Training School. He went on to proudly serve in numerous positions for 20 years before retiring as a Lt. Col. in 1983. While in the Air Force David specialized in subjects related to rocket fundamentals, orbital mechanics, and orbital analysis. He served in the Headquarters of Strategic Air Command where he performed staff duties involving Warning and Surveillance Systems. During this time David also studied and received a Graduate Degree from the University of Missouri. His final military assignment led him to the USAF Air/War College in Montgomery, AL where he served as an Intelligence Officer and was one of the initial research fellows of the newly created AirPower Research Institute. This is where David authored a book entitled: On Space Warfare: A Space Power Doctrine, which was published by the USAF in 1988. Following his military retirement, David moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado where he worked for 10 years as a Defense Contractor for the Geodynamics Corp. It was during these years that he began to explore his passion for turning wood. He developed his skills to become an amazing artist, creating thousands of beautifully turned salad bowls and one-of-a-kind decorative pieces. David fully enjoyed this career after he and his wife, Nancy, moved from Colorado to Phil Campbell, Alabama. Later, they moved to Florence, Alabama where his workshop stands today. In addition to a full professional career, David was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Russellville where he served as an Elder. He will be remembered by all for his accomplishments, character, generosity, good humor, and his love for others.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Emerson and Gladys Lupton, his sister Sally Steele and brother, Claude Lupton.

Left to cherish David’s memory is his loving wife of 65 years, Nancy Broadhurst Lupton.

Children: William Lupton (Donna), Clyde, NC; David Lupton II (Elizabeth), Decatur, AL; Allison Lupton, Florence, AL. Nine Grandchildren: Andrew Lupton (Laura), Benjamin Lupton (Emily), Samuel Lupton (Chloe), Hilary Canfield, Kristin Lupton, Vivienne Cho, Antonia Cho, Jackson Cho, and Leo Cho. Six Great-grandchildren: Corey DeSimone, Fox Lupton, Evie Jude Lupton, Lucy Lupton, Sterling Canfield, and Everly Canfield.

A celebration of Life to honor and remember David will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 12pm, First Presbyterian Church, 201 N. Green Ave., Russellville, Alabama 35653. Williams Funeral of Florence is assisting the Family.