Edward Shoup

Edward Lee Shoup, 88, of North Little Rock died on October 7, 2021.

He was born in Allen, Kansas in January, 1933 to Adila and Glenn Shoup. Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Kent; and brother, Jack.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years, Kathy Jolly; son, Jack (Patty) of Kentucky and son, Keith (Leesa); daughter, Kimberly (Jeff) Schenk; daughter-in-law, Dana, all of Tennessee; brother, Robert, of Brighton, Missouri; and brother Walter (Alice) of Shell Knob, Missouri; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Ed served in the US Air Force in the early 50’s, teaching technical classes at Kessler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi. He worked for Boeing after leaving the Air Force and was eventually assigned to the space program in Huntsville, Alabama. He always said that his time on the space program was the most professionally rewarding time of his career. Following employment included Executive Director of Division of Information Service at the State of Tennessee and Deputy Director at the State of Arkansas Department of Computer Services.

Born during the Great Depression and coming of age during the war years, he knew that he had to make his own way. He worked at a pool hall in Council Grove, Kansas and at the newspaper there. He worked construction at Fort Riley, worked on a surveying crew during rural Kansas electrification, and at Beech Aircraft. He owned and operated a TV repair shop in Haverhill, Kansas. He also owned two farms during his life raising hogs on one and cattle on the other. He built houses and race cars. He loved scuba diving and said piloting a plane was a really boring way to get somewhere. He loved camping, fishing, hunting, telling stories and would argue with anybody about anything. Ed lived a long and fulfilling life and will be missed.

Thanks to all the kind folks at Hospice Home Care and a special thanks to Danielle, Erica and Bill Rausch for allowing Ed to tell his best stories one more time.

At Ed’s request, there will be no service.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home , 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.--