Mark Updegraff

Mark Ragan Updegraff, age 59, went to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer, on March 27, 2017, surrounded by his family and friends.

Mark was born on November 17, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, to John T. and Nell Ragan Updegraff. The family later moved to Kansas City, Kansas and then to Independence, Kansas. From there, the family moved to Richardson, Texas, where Mark attended Wilson Junior High School in Plano, Texas. Mark's family later moved to Houston, Texas. Mark graduated from Stratford High School in Houston, class of 1975 and attended Texas Tech University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in May 1980.

Mark began his business career in the restaurant industry managing several restaurants. He later entered the field of insurance, specializing in worker's compensation insurance. Mark managed worker's compensation claims departments at Employers of Texas, AIG, Inc., Walmart and most recently, was a Senior Claims Examiner for Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc.

Mark was very active in Boy Scouts and proud to be an Eagle Scout. He also received scouting's God and Country award from the First United Methodist Church of Independence, Kansas for his faith and service. Mark went to Philmont Scout Ranch several times and proudly wore his Philmont belt and buckle and even had custom-made cowboy boots with the Philmont brand.

Mark was a sports enthusiast, having played football in high school and loved college football and basketball, which he enjoyed following and watching with his mother. Mark was an avid gardener, especially growing roses and enjoyed building things, woodworking, making pens, knives, picture frames, crosses, and even his own dining room table and mailbox. Mark also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially at his parent's home in Independence, Kansas, and on the lake at his family's lake house in northeastern Oklahoma riding his wave runner.

Mark is survived by his mother and father, John T. and Nell R. Updegraff of Independence, Kansas, his brother and sister in law, John T. Jr. and Peggy Updegraff of Arlington, Texas, his son and daughter, Derek and Amanda Massena of Arlington, Texas, his granddaughter, Cambri Collins of Arlington, Texas, his niece and nephews, Megan, J.T., and Curtis Updegraff of Arlington, Texas, and his cousin, Jane Walls of Ball Ground, Georgia.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 8, 2017, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Independence, Kansas. Friends may register from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 2017 at Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory. Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Independence, Kansas, and the Boy Scouts of America. And may be left with the Chapel.

Arrangements are entrusted to Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory

Visitation

Webb & Rodrick Chapel
306 W. Main
Independence, KS  67301
Friday, April 7, 2017
9 am - 5 pm

Service

Graveside

Mount Hope Cemetery
Independence, KS  67301
Saturday, April 8, 2017
11 am

Cemetery

Mount Hope Cemetery
Independence, KS  67301

Memorial Contributions

First United Methodist Church
200 S. Penn Ave.
Independence, KS  67301

Boy Scouts of America - c/o Webb & Rodrick Chapel