John D. “J.D.” Upton, 89, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Monmouth Nursing Home, Monmouth, IL, after a brief illness with cancer.
J.D. was born March 5, 1936 in Monmouth, IL, the son of John D. Upton and Viola F. (Miller) Upton. He was raised and educated in Monmouth, and attended Monmouth High School.
JD married Mary L. Hamiton on October 22, 1960 in Hannibal, MO, and she passed away on July 13, 2018.
J.D. worked as a line worker at Gale Products & Admirals in Galesburg. He also worked at several local gas stations, and assisted several local farmers. He drove a cement truck for Monmouth Ready Mix, along with other truck driving jobs throughout his career.
J.D. enjoyed gardening, tinkering with mechanics, and building and constructing projects such as treehouses for his children and grandchildren, he was truly a do-it-yourself man. He also loved boating, playing pool, cards, darts, pulling the occasional prank, staying in touch with his friends, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and beloved dog, Pepe.
Survivors include his children, Ginger (Tim) Blackman of Florida, Jackie (Jim) Watson of Monmouth, Kari (Tim) Painter of Monmouth, John Upton III of Monmouth, DD Mack White of Missouri; five grandchildren, Tonya (Dan) Fisher of Washington, Trisha (Wyatt Smith) Blackman of Florida, Ben Watson of Monmouth, Jayson Upton and Macy Upton both of Roseville, IL; one sister, Corrine Ameen of Iowa; and nieces and nephews, Anissa Kuiper, Tarek Ameen, Bret Hamilton, Brook Hogan; and his beloved dog, Pepe.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Mary Upton.
Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026. Interment will be at Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth. Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to Monmouth Nursing Home and Western Illinois Animal Rescue (WIAR). McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com
