Arthur Junior Updegraff, 96, of Mechanicsburg, PA, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at his residence with family by his side.
Art (also known as "June" to siblings) was born September 16, 1929, in Newberrytown, PA, the eldest son of the late Arthur and Hazel (Drawbaugh) Updegraff. He was a 1947 graduate of Lemoyne High School. Art enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1948 and was stationed in Fukuoka, Japan, serving during the Korean Conflict. There he met and married the woman of his dreams and life soulmate, Fumiko "Doris" (Kimura) Updegraff. Their home was established in Mechanicsburg, where they raised three daughters. They celebrated 73 years of marriage prior to Fumiko's death in September of 2025. Art was employed by the federal government by both Olmsted Air Force Base in Middletown, PA and then New Cumberland Army Depot (DLA) until he retired in 1985. He also held a part-time job with Exel in Mechanicsburg for several years after retirement.
Art was a man of faith and loved the Lord. He was a long-time member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Lemoyne, PA and most recently, Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, Mechanicsburg, PA. He was an active member at Calvary and sang in the church choir, served as trustee (maintaining the church facilities), participated in fund-raising activities and social events. He also enjoyed playing softball in his younger days and was a member of the church softball team. Bike riding kept Art in physical shape, as he belonged to a local bike club that took long-distance trips in the local area and DC. He traded in his bike for a mobility scooter, which kept him active and out-and-about in his senior years. Art was always engaged. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, gardening, tinkering with things, especially electrical. He was an all-around handyman who had the ability and skills to fix just about anything and was always available to lend a helping hand. Art had a big heart and loved people. He especially looked forward to and cherished the time spent with his family and close friends.
Art is survived by two faithful daughters: Linda L. Spotts and her husband, Randy, of Mechanicsburg, PA and Sandra J. Corman and her husband, William, of Shippensburg, PA, four grandsons: Shannon Spotts (Brooke), Shaun Spotts, Todd Corman, and Bryce Corman (Jeanette), seven great-grandchildren, his brother, Wayne Updegraff (Ruth) of Camp Hill (formerly of New Cumberland, PA), and by several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Fumiko "Doris" Updegraff, a daughter, Debra I. Updegraff, and a brother, Larry Updegraff.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 20, 2026 at the Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, 5000 West Simpson Ferry Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service in the church.
Burial will be in the Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill, PA 17011.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Art's memory to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110, or to Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, 5000 West Simpson Ferry Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Myers-Baker Funeral Home, 1903 Market Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011.