Elwin Walter Updike was born on December 3, 1926 to Guy and Nina (Sturgill) at their homestead on Great Divide, northwest of Craig, Colorado. He went to be with our Lord on Friday, January 11, 2019 at the age of 92.
Elwin was raised by his parents on their homestead until drafted into the army toward the end of World War II, serving with the military police.
Elwin married Maxine (Miller) on September 11, 1947. They lived in Craig most of their married lives. They celebrated sixty-five years of marriage before Maxine’s death in 2014. They have a family of four children and their spouses: Lowa (Clif) Shultz, Marjorie (Stan) Lucier, Lynn (Brenda) Updike, and Tami (Dale) Hunt. They have thirteen grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren with another on the way.
During his life, Elwin worked at the local railroad, Gilbert Meats Grain Elevator, Bill Pugh Construction, and Bob Quillen Construction. He retired as the carpenter for Empire Energy Coal Mine. He was proud to proclaim carpentry as his primary occupation.
Elwin was an avid hunter and fisherman up until this year and shared his love of the outdoors with his family. Elwin was very proud to be a member of the First Christian Church, fulfilling many duties for many years. He loved his family, music, and his home.
Elwin is survived by his children and their families and his younger brother, Marvin Updike of Grants Pass, Oregon. Elwin was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Updike; parents, Guy and Nina Updike; brothers, Orville Updike and Vernon Updike; sister, Ella Marquess; grandson, Aaron Lively; and granddaughter, Brittney Hunt.
Elwin never met a stranger, loving to talk with and help others. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 19, 2019, at Craig Christian Church. Burial followed at Craig Cemetery with military honors presented by the VFW Post 4265 and the American Legion Post 62.
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