Harry Wesley Shoup

Harry Shoup Obituary

Born September 29, 1917, in Bessemer, Pennsylvania. Died March 14, 2009, at Liberty Heights Assisted Living, Colorado Springs, Colorado Harry attended Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA, where he met his future wife, Louise Lane. He entered the Army Air Corps in 1940 and married Louise Lane in 1941. A veteran of WWII, Harry had a distinguished career in the US Air Force, spanning 28 years. During that time, he was the recipient of the Soldierâ€™s Medal for saving another airmanâ€™s life. He was interviewed by Edward R. Murrow on his â€œSee it Nowâ€� program. The program highlighted his outstanding accomplishments in improving community relations as the Base Commander of Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin. While stationed in Colorado Springs at CONRAD (the predecessor of NORAD), Col. Shoup initiated the tracking of Santa Claus on the radar, and was known the rest of his life as â€œThe Santa Colonelâ€�. Shoup retired as the Wing Commander of the 84th FIS at Hamilton Air Force Base, California, in 1968. After his retirement, Col. Shoup served as the Vice President of Development at his Alma Mater, Westminster College, for twelve years. He and his wife, Louise, retired and settled in Colorado Springs in 1983. Col. Shoup was a charter member of the A.F.A. Blue and Silver Club, an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, an enthusiastic supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, and a Mason. His wife preceded him in death in 2003. Surviving are his children: Judith Shoup Hannigan of Corvalis, Oregon; Pamela Shoup Farrell of Firestone, Colorado; Terri Shoup Van Keuren of Castle Rock, Colorado; and Richard Harry Shoup of Sherman Oaks, California. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 6 great- grandchildren. Inurnment ceremonies will be held on Friday, March 20 at 11:15 a.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Area â€œCâ€�, in Denver. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a veteranâ€™s organization of your choice and please treat a veteran to a meal and express your appreciation for their service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Mar. 18, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry Shoup

8 Entries

Staff at Mountain Valley Health Care

March 25, 2009

Dear Shoup family, The staff at Mountain Valley Healthcare would like to express their condolences to your entire family on the death of your father and grandfather. In honor of your request, we will have a special cake delivered to the Firestone American Legion Hall for their general meeting next Thursday, April 2nd at 6:00 pm. We wanted to thank as many veterans as possible and thought this would be one way we could do it. It will say "In memory of Colonel Harry Shoup" and "Thank you all for serving our country." We will take pictures and give them to Pamela. Again, we are so sorry for the loss of such a dear man.

Mike & Elizabeth Leslie

March 21, 2009

Dear Shoup family,
We share your saddness at this time, but share in the loving memories of your parents. What a pleasure to know them and love them, both were great patriots! I will never forget the martinis and will always smile about the man who really was a Santa. I have a picture of the tree Harry carved with the name of his love, Louise. We hope to stay in touch and will keep you in our prayers!

Margie & Tom Tompkins

March 20, 2009

As one of Terri's Chi Omega sisters, seems as if Harry and Louise were always a part of Westminster's legacy. So many wonderful events at WC happened because of them and their children. We share in your loss and want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you. As a veteran, we appreciate the idea of sharing with the armed services. Thank you!!

Sally Huey

March 20, 2009

Ahhh, such wonderful memories we have of Grandma Louise and Grandpa Harry! So gracious, hospitable, and fun both were. Our girls loved them as surrogate grandparents and we will never forget their hospitality on Maitland Lane and Colorado Springs. Blessings to you all.

Lorraine Leslie

March 20, 2009

Dear Shoup family,
We would like to express our sympathies on the death of your father/grandfather. we have happy memories of visiting with Harry and Louise in Colorado Springs and being warmly welcomed. They are both in God's presence now and I am sure were warmly welcomed. Gods peace to you all.
Dale and Lorraine Leslie

Biz Hines

March 19, 2009

Dearest Shoup family all,
How many wonderful amazing memories we have of Harry, "the Colonel", "Terri's handsome Dad" who brought cans of Fresca to the girls in Little WIng, and just generally entertained the world with his love of life and people. Esther and Ross had many good times with Harry and Louise... and he always called her his "old teach"..from the days of Bessemer HS. which made her giggle. Whew.. we have just lost one of the great ones! Be held in God's amazing care and grace as you both mourn your Dad/Grampa and remember him and your many years of life together. Love and peace, Biz Hines (as well as Jim Hines and Esther Ellis)

Tom & Jackie Tancredo

March 18, 2009

What a wonderful man! He exemplified the life of such a giving and kind person. Loved his Santa sightings! Kids & grandkids always followed Santa on Christmas eve. May your memories comfort you during this difficult period of loss...

Joanne & Mike Morrissey

March 18, 2009

Ter, Ter and family,
Our hearts are breaking for you, but we know God has gently taken the Colonel and reunited him and your dear mom. He was a great guy and will remain alive forever, each time a child follows Santa on his airborne flight. We have a feeling, he'll be sitting right there and probably piloting the sleigh. Hugs, prayers & kisses.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results