One of the airshow industry's most colorful characters (in more ways than one...), Charles Dewayne Upton (54), passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2003, at the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS.

Upton, a pivotal member of the Swift Magic Aerobatic Team, was forced to ground himself last year when he became ill, but left an indelible mark on an industry in which strong personalities are the norm.

Known for (among so many things) his trademark pink sneakers, Upton was a bright and positive personality, and a treasured member of a tight-knit fraternity of airmen who not only treasured classic aircraft but also kept those birds alive for hundreds of thousands of airshow fans, year after year.

Dewayne was a Vietnam vet, and used his GI benefits to start his aviation career. A flight instructor and ATP, Upton logged over 22,000 hours with Piedmont Airlines and US Airways, earning the rank of Captain before his illness forced him from the skies.

Dewayne fell in love with the Classic Swift airframe and started flying airshows in the bird some twenty years ago before helping to found the Swift Magic Aerobatic Team in 1991. For over a decade, the team performed all over North America, with occasional trips to perform as far away as El Salvador.

Dewayne was a pretty entertaining soul with an ebullient personality that left a pretty bright impression on those who encountered him, and made him a favorite among those who frequented the airshow industry. A consummate spokesman for the world of aviation, Upton also parlayed his expertise as a magician to entertain children at show after show.

To those of us at ANN, the man was simply a class act and one of our favorite flyers to spend time with, at show after show... and he leaves a void that few can hope to fill.

Upton leaves behind a huge cadre of grateful people who loved him... including his wife, Linda N. Upton of Flora, MS; his children, Dianna Hessling and husband Jerry of Dexter, Missouri, Danielle and William of Flora; his father, Buel Upton and wife Elva of Raymond; his sister, Gail Roth and husband Richard of Stoughton, Massachusetts; his brother, Earle Ownby and wife Mary Lou of Jackson; and a number of grandchildren, Cody, Jennifer, Cassi and Victoria.

Those wishing to honor the memory of this extraordinary aviator may make donations to the Flora Methodist Church, PO Box 289, Flora, MS 39701 or the Mississippi Animal Rescue League, 4395 South Drive, Jackson, MS 39209.

FMI: http://www.neurobellum.com/magicteam.htm