Warren John Upchurch
went to Heaven on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 18 months old in his home in Fayetteville, Ark., while in the arms of his parents after a twelve and a half month battle with childhood cancer. Warren was born on Friday, May 27, 2022 to his parents, Whitney (Foster) and Patrick Upchurch. He was a longed for and prayed for gift that Whitney and Patrick fought hard to bring into the world. Warren brought with him endless joy and happiness. Even through the hardships that he faced, it was rare that he was not smiling, laughing, and playing. Since the time that he was very small, he would bounce up and down to show that he was happy. When he learned to clap, he began to clap about everything. These claps and bounces became a staple of Warren’s quirky personality, and he happily shared them with everyone, because he loved everyone. Warren was gentle and kind, tender and forgiving. These traits left an everlasting imprint on the thousands of hearts that his story reached worldwide. The essence of Warren continues to remind us to be better, do better, love better.
Warren’s two favorite lovies that he couldn’t be without were his Gator and his Pink Flower, both small handheld plush toys. He liked small toys that fit perfectly in his hand. His favorite color was green. He enjoyed his cars and trucks. Books with flaps and hidden surprises were also a favorite. Warren loved music, especially songs with Ms. Rachel. He loved the B-I-N-G-O song, Wheels On the Bus, and the Waving song. Warren also loved the silly songs and dances his Mommy would perform for him, especially the Booty Dance and her version of opera. He would gleefully bounce along with hand gestures and clapping. Warren enjoyed watching Razorback football and basketball and saying “hog” with his Daddy. Warren spent a lot of his time zooming around in his “scooter.” He was a tad behind on walking because of his cancer treatments and liver transplant, so his riding scooter gave him independence and allowed him to move freely. He loved anything he could swing like a sword or a wand, especially while in his scooter. He would sneak up on his dog, Walt, and give him gentle love pats. Although he was the snuggle master throughout the daytime and his naps, he was a great independent night sleeper and preferred to be in his crib as soon as it was bedtime. Bathtime was a cherished time for both Warren and his parents. He made big splashes in the tub and in life. Warren was endless joy. He was full of big giggles and would get so carried away that they turned into squeals and squeaks. His voice and laughter was the most beautiful music of all.
Warren John is reunited in Heaven with his liver donor, the precious baby whose family made the selfless decision to give life through organ donation during their time of heartache. He received his gift of renewed life on May 3, 2023 at St. Louis, Missouri Children’s Hospital, allowing us to spend almost 7 more months with him before he and his donor were reunited in Heaven.
Warren John is also reunited with his four unborn siblings; his great-grandparents James Foster, Bob and Glenda Patton, Jerry and Wincie Hendricks, and Bill and Sue Upchurch; his great aunts Liz Hendricks (Esch) and Tammy Evans Patton; and his uncle Zack Kraus.
Warren John is survived by his parents, Whitney (Foster) and Patrick; paternal grandparents Angie (Nangie) and Greg (Gregpa) Upchurch; maternal grandparents John (Boppy) and Deborah (Gigi) Foster; great-grandmother Wanda Foster; and his cousins Sally, Florence, Esmeralda, Brandt, Dane, Annette, Elinore, James, Elizabeth, and Hannah.
The Upchurch family would like to say a special thank you to Warren’s Oncologist, Dr. Bob Saylors, and the care teams at their second homes of Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Springdale and Little Rock, along with his liver transplant team at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale.
Viewing will be Friday, December 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Moore’s Chapel Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Ark.
Memorial Service officiated by Father John Antony will be Saturday, December 9, at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayetteville, Ark. The family requests that you wear a touch of green to honor Warren. Pallbearers will be Grant Holden, Justin Robinson, Jordan Plunkett, and Whitlee Rainwater. Honorary Pallbearers are Zack Kraus and Chuck Meré.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Warren’s memory. Please select “Pediatric Cancer Research” from the dropdown box on the hospital donation page. To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com.