Ishpeming – John D. Lupton, age 76, longtime Ishpeming area resident, passed away on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette where he had been a resident for the past 5½ years. John was born April 4, 1936 in Marquette, MI the son of the late David E. and Helen A. (Erickson) Lupton. He grew up in Marquette until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served for 2 years. Following his service in the Marine Corps, John enlisted in the United States Navy and served for 12½ years, mainly as a instructor. He retired from the service on Sept. 26, 1967, and returned to the Upper Peninsula. It was during this time John met his wife Violet while attending Northern Michigan University. John was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church. He was an avid aviation enthusiast, becoming a pilot at age 16. He enjoyed building model airplanes, of which he had hundreds of in his home Survivors include 2 sons – Mark Lupton of Denton, MD and Matthew Lupton of Wilmington, DE, step-children – Judy Steede, Carol Roberts and Larry (Lisa) Roberts all of Ishpeming, a brother Paul (Carol) Lupton of West Bend, WI, a step-daughter-in-law Ellen Roberts of Negaunee, step-grandchildren – Tina Anderson, Jeffrey Steede, Bethany (Peter) Martell, Ralph (Amber) Roberts, Jennifer (Joe) Ceislinski and Jim Roberts, step-great grandchildren Alyssa Anderson, Ethan Martell, Olivia Violet Roberts, Ansley and Hannah Ceislinski, along with a nieces and nephew Anne and Mike Lupton. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Violet and a step-son Kenneth Roberts. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10 until 11am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00am on Wednesday at the Bethel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate, with Military Honors to be accorded by the Vietnam Veteran of America, Chapter #380 at the conclusion of the services. Inurnment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church in John's memory. The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be heard by clicking here.