Lionel Joe Updyke

Lionel Joe Updyke, 73, beloved husband, uncle, cousin and friend to many worldwide, passed away June 30, 2014, surrounded by his wife, Carole Eisenhauer Updyke, and family of friends. He was born August 29, 1940, in Lexington, KY, and was raised by parents, Hoyett Brandenberg Updyke and Buford Updyke. He graduated from Lee County, KY, schools, the University of Kentucky with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, and an M.S. from West Virginia University. He was employed by FMC Corp. in Charleston, WV, Squamish, BC, Canada, and New York, NY. After 20 years Joe joined Occidental Chemical Corp. Corporate Engineering in Niagara Falls, NY, and later transferred to Houston, TX.

He is survived by his wife, Carole, cousins, Elizabeth Blount and Mary Ferrer and their families, and 8 nieces and nephews, Nicholas Eisenhauer, Lynn Riegner, Terry Williams, James Eisenhauer and Dan Eisenhauer, Mark Miller, Ted Miller, Greg Miller and their spouses and families.

Always a Kentuckian at heart, this is where Joe’s love for trains and dams, both near his home, and the Cincinnati Reds began. He yearned for education, took history classes and travelled the world. He loved to cook and baked thousands of loaves of bread, enjoyed by his family and friends.

Joe was a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and International Chlorine Institute. He was Treasurer of the Alexander Hodge, Chapter #49, Texas Society Sons of the American Revolution. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church since moving to the Houston area 19 years ago. He served on the Finance Council and Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Team, helping many individuals prepare to enter the Catholic Church.

Carole gives much appreciation to all of their friends and the Doctors and Staff at Methodist Hospital, Sugar Land, who so kindly cared for Joe.

Funeral Arrangements include viewing on July 6 at Earthman Funeral Home, 12555 S. Kirkwood, Stafford, TX, from 5-9pm with Vigil/Rosary Service at 7:30 pm. A Funeral Mass will be offered July 7 at 10:30am at Holy Family Church, 1510 Fifth St., Missouri City, TX 77489.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Joe to Holy Family Church, Wellsprings Village, Inc., a home for homeless/abused women, PO Box 311017, Houston, TX 77231, or to CCSF Fund, St. Mary’s Seminary, 9845 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77024. For pictures and to share memories go to www.LionelJoeUpdyke.com.