Andrew Martin Updegraff

Andrew M. Updegraff, (51), of Cartersville, Georgia, died Thursday evening, February 22, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Andrew, fondly known as Drew, was born to Derek and Merdyth Updegraff on March 13,1972, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Drew is survived by his mother, Merdyth Updegraff, his older brother Derek Updegraff Jr. and his wife, Leslie Updegraff, of Lewisburg, PA and his younger brother Phillip Updegraff of Ashburn, VA. Drew was preceded in death by his father, Derek Updegraff, who died in 2009.

After Drew graduated from Milton Area High School, he studied Criminal Justice at Lycoming College where he also competed on the Men’s Swim Team. After graduating, Drew worked for the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a Senior Officer until 2002. Following 9/11, Drew converted love for his country and travel into a 20 year career as a Federal Air Marshal for the Department of Homeland Security. He flew nearly 7 million miles for work.

He was beloved by his friends and co-workers alike and one in particular said it best: “Drew may not have liked everyone, but everyone loved him.”

Drew happily retired in 2022 and further embraced the houseboat life, self-proclaiming himself “The DockFather.” In addition to sharing good times with his friends and family, Drew also shared his father’s love of boating, photography and politics. He was always full of surprises, humor, and living life to its fullest. Not only was Drew the life of the party, but he was always willing to help anyone with projects around the house or dock. This allowed him to do something he always loved- take things apart and put them back together again. Much to the chagrin of his brothers, this meant he never threw anything away. Even in death, he is making us all laugh.

Please join us for a memorial service honoring Drew on March 23rd at 10:30am, to be held at St John’s United Church of Christ in Lewisburg, PA, followed by a burial at Pomfret Manor Cemetery in Sunbury, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in the memory of Drew can be made to the Habitat for Humanity.