Stanley H. Updike

Stanley Hubert Updike, 94, passed peacefully at his residence in Painesville, Ohio on Tuesday, July 16th, 2024.
Stan was born on July 20th, 1930, in Indianapolis, Indiana to parents James Wilbert and Grace Mae (Gieseking) Updike. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Betty Lou (Leachman) Updike; son Steven (Lynn) Updike of Painesville, Ohio; daughter Sandra (Michael) Gallagher of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Megan (José) Rael, Alan (Sarah Brockway) Updike, Brian (Sarah) Gallagher, James (Peipei) Gallagher, Brittany (Scott) Spitnale, Justin (Victoria) Updike, Mark (Gabrielle Blanchard) Cowgill, and Erin (Brandt Huddle) Gallagher; 13 great grandchildren; sister Sandra Ann (William, died July 20, 2024) Bloemer of Bloomington, Indiana; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Ronald (Virginia) Updike, Clifford Updike, Norma (Maynard) Jarvis, Marion (Joseph) Prairie, Laura Jean (Robert) O'Connell; daughter Susankay Updike Cowgill; and granddaughter Amy (Tom) Gozelinchick.
Stan graduated from Rose Poly Technical Institute, now Rose Hullman, in Terre Haute, Indiana with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He went on to work at TRW Valve Division in Cleveland from 1958 until his retirement in 1990. Stan received numerous awards and patents for his designs of automotive parts during his career.
After retirement, Stan pursued his many hobbies and was happiest when busy with a project or working outdoors. He cultivated beautiful flower gardens and grew vegetables for Betty's kitchen. He loved woodworking, building many bird houses, a windmill and even a barn. Stan enjoyed traveling with friends, golfing, or fishing on his boat, the Betty Lou. Stan was happiest when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren visited. He looked forward to family vacations with his children and grandchildren every summer; family was the most important part of his life.
Stan was a proud member of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, Elks of Painesville, and the Al Koran Shriners of Cleveland. Stan drove the Shriner's orange corvette in parades for 13 years; he also volunteered his time for over 20 years driving children to Shriners Hospitals for treatment. Stan was also a long time member of Painesville United Methodist Church.
A memorial visitation will be held for Stan on Thursday, August 1st from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Johnson's Funeral Home & Crematory in Painesville, Ohio; a memorial service will begin immediately following the visitation at 12 p.m. There will be no burial at this time. In Leu of Flowers, Donations can be made to the Shriners Hospitals at donate.lovetotherescue.org