Charles Edward "Eddie" Updike of Mount Sterling departed this life on Friday, September 18 ^th , 2020. He was born on May 2 ^nd , 1938 to the late Jim and Fannie Updike. A lifetime resident of Montgomery County, in particular a great many of those years living on Grassy Lick Road, which he so loved. He met and married Christine Sorrell and together moved to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he served with the 32 ^nd Artillery, The Big Red 1, as Sergeant E3. Upon returning to Mount Sterling, he managed 2 service stations. His gift of gab and story telling flourished, as there were never any strangers in Eddie Updike's world. He then worked until retirement as Maintenance with A.O. Smith Corporation, all the while working with Christine raising a worthy amount of tobacco poundage each year to sell in the fall. Upon retirement he took a position as a Montgomery County Bus Driver, which continued for 12 years; receiving many awards such as Driver of the Year. He certainly had a unique influence on younger generations. He was an honorary Kentucky Colonel, arrowhead archeologist, avid snipe hunter, and all-around turtle connoisseur. He enjoyed cooking and feeding people, often times offering them imaginary pieces of strawberry pie. His lightheartedness was highly contagious, as people eagerly share their "Eddie stories." Eddie's impressionable Spirit will live on far beyond his life on this Earth.

Survivors include a daughter Vicky (Scott) Martin, a granddaughter Haley Wells, a grandson Daniel Martin, a brother George (Imogene) Updike, a sister Lydia Ann Simmons, as well as a host of nieces and nephews, friends and coworkers. He is preceded in death by his wife Christine, parents, and siblings, Jack, Major Franklin, Daniel Harrison, William Robert, Eugene Bush, James, Samuel and Shirley.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 24 ^th at 1pm at Taul Funeral Home. Visitation for friends begins at 11am. Military rites will be performed upon destination at Machpelah Cemetery, where his Spirit will fly high.  Tim Updike will be officiating with John Morton offering reflection.  Pallbearers will be Steve Morton, John Morton, Tim Updike, Tim Calvert, Danny Updike and Daniel Martin.

In lieu of flowers donations are encouraged to the Sterling Community Food Coalition or the Montgomery County Schools Family Resource Youth Service Centers.