George Michael Shoup

George Michael Shoup passed away at his home on May 4, 2012, following a long illness. A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 18, 2012 at Epworth United Methodist Church with Rev. Philip Huston officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. George was born on February 16, 1941, in Mercedes, Texas, to George M. and Jeanie Inez (Marshall) Shoup. He grew up in Texas until 5th grade, at which time the family moved to Carlsbad, and then when in junior high, George and his parents moved to Artesia where he graduated from high school in 1959. George attended and graduated from UNM with a degree in architecture and art. He dated and married Janis Coll in 1961, became an officer in the US Navy in 1966 where he served as a Seabee with an assignment in Gulfport, Mississippi, from which he was deployed to Vietnam for two tours of duty. His daughter, LeAnne, was born during his first tour. In 1968, George was assigned to duty, with his family, at the Marine Corps Air Station in Iwakuni, Japan. Son David was born mid-way through this tour. Mr. Shoup served as Public Works Officer for two years, at which time he opted to return to civilian life and move to Carlsbad where he joined his father in the construction business. Throughout his life, George Shoup was a leader and a builder, always active in the community, church, fraternal organizations, and politics, as well as developing, first with his father, and then his son, the family construction business CONSTRUCTORS, INC. George had a passion for the development and growth of his community and state, and made many contributions to them through active participation in Chamber of Commerce, DOD, Rotary Club, Christmas on the Pecos, Project Playground, Interstate Stream Commission, and New Mexico Amigos. He also devoted time and talent to his church, Epworth United Methodist, and to Landsun Homes, serving on that board for 12 years. Education was a priority and he was involved in CHS Choir Boosters and Football Dads in Carlsbad, and served on Board of Directors of McMurry University in Abilene. George's true love was gardening. His yard was a showcase, and his vegetables were prolific. We will miss the image of him moving around the grounds with hose in hand. George is survived by wife Janis of Carlsbad, daughter LeAnne Korbel and husband Stephen of Montclair, NJ; son David Shoup and wife Christy of Carlsbad; grandchildren Kayley, Sydney, and Gage Shoup of Carlsbad; Britton, Travis, Wade, and Gigi Korbel of Montclair, NJ. Memorial contributions may be made to Landsun Homes, Capital Projects Fund, 2002 Westridge Rd. Carlsbad, NM, 88220; Carlsbad Community Foundation, Riverfront Development Fund, 114 S. Canyon St., Carlsbad, NM 88220; or McMurry University, George Shoup Memorial Scholarship Fund, 1 McMurry Station Box 98, Abilene, TX 79697 Honorary Pallbearers will be Dora Ogas, Monica Quezada, Michelle Gere, Ericka McClintock, Corina Castro, Christie Torres, Vicky Martinez, Brandie Branaman, Sylvia Jackson and Tish Chavarria. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com