Larry Noble Updike

Larry Noble Updike, 87, passed peacefully on September 3, 2026.

Larry was born in Frankfort, KY on August 27, 1939, to his doting parents Nash and Elizabeth Updike. Larry was a proud ’58 graduate of Elkhorn High School where he lettered in football and chorus, was voted best “Best Personality,” and began his extraordinary life. After high school, Larry embarked on his next adventure as a Gunner in the U.S. Army which took him to Germany where he, as everyone who encountered Larry knows, met Elvis Presley. After serving his country, Larry returned home to pursue his education in the engineering field at the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University and begin his working life. Larry wore many hats, literally and figuratively, throughout his time in the workforce, but community service and improvement remained the common thread tying it all together. His greatest adventure, however, wouldn’t begin until 1979 when he married his favorite person, Mickey and embraced his new title of “dad” to their daughter, Christy. Together, Larry and Mickey built a life full of love and laughter welcoming their son Michael in ’82 and their granddaughter Jennifer in ‘94 completing the ideal family unit for Disney trips, family dinners, and celebrations big and small. Larry was many things during his time earthside. He was an avid golfer (one of his proudest achievements was getting a hole in one at Juniper Hills Golf Course), a member of the Hotdog Ski Group, a restaurateur and public servant, the biggest wildcat fan you’ve ever seen, a buffet lover, lightening on the dancefloor, a friend to all, a bright spot on even the darkest of days, but his favorite title of all was papaw.

Larry is proceeded in death by his father Nobel Nashville Updike, his mother Elizabeth Clark Updike, and his beloved childhood dog, Shep. He is survived by his life companion of 47 years, Mickey Updike, his daughter Chirsty (Todd) Mobley, his son Michael Updike (Mark Salmon), and his granddaughter Jennifer Disponette (Sunshine Randolph). Larry also leaves behind two large and loving families full of sibling -in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews and many friends including his childhood best friend, L.D. Harrod.

A public visitation will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, at Clark Legacy Center from 11AM to 1PM with a service to follow. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Franklin County Humane Society or a charity of your choice.