Michael David Updegraff, age 46 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood. He had extensive health complications following an automobile accident in 1991. He was born October 20, 1968 the son of Charles "David" and Ruth Ann "Bootsie" (Lindley) Updegraff. He formerly worked at Service & Materials, Inc. in Elwood and also worked for the Spurgeons store in the hardware department. Mike was a 1987 graduate of Elwood Community High School where he played baseball and was an excellent artist. He was an avid fan of Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Atlanta Hawks, and Indianapolis Colts. He also enjoyed cars & hot rods, old movies & TV shows, rock & roll music on Q95, and WWE Wrestling. Following his accident, his parents were special daily caregivers to Mike; and the last 3 years his father has cared for him by himself. Mike was unable to speak normally, but had very special ways of communicating with his family members. He always had a smile on his face, and truly enjoyed life in spite of his circumstances.

Michael's family includes his father, Charles "David" Updegraff of Elwood; brother, Kevin (wife Angel) Updegraff of Elwood; grandmother, Edna Updegraff of Elwood; aunts and uncles, Bob Updegraff of Muncie, Peggy McCool of Elwood, D.J. (wife Donna) Updegraff of Alexandria, Kelly (husband Dean) Cole of Elwood, and Janet (husband Gene) Maley of Elwood; nephew, Dakin Updegraff; and 2 nieces, Sierra Updegraff and Addison Updegraff; and numerous cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Ann "Bootsie" Updegraff who died in 2012; paternal grandfather, Charles Updegraff; maternal grandparents, Thomas and Jeannette Lindley; and sister at birth, Tyra Lee Updegraff.

A funeral service celebrating Michael's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, October 19, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Johnston of Grace United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 5 PM on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Morrisett Center Food Pantry or the St. Vincent Mercy Hospital Foundation through the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at: copherfeslermay.com.