Donald Dwight Underwood was born on December 21, 1923, in Marion, Ohio. He is survived by his devoted wife and loving partner of 39 years Grace (Freemont) Underwood, whom he married on July 3, 1973, in Valdosta, Georgia. He is survived by his daughter Karen (Andy) Theiss, step-son Scott (Keira) Kelly, both of Marion, and son Steve in California. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his mother Erma Underwood in 1988.
Don was a very patriotic American and proud veteran of WWII, having served in the United States Army Air Corps in the White Horse area of the Yukon Territory while constructing the AlCan Highway. Don did spend most of his life in Marion, but traveled throughout much of the western U.S. after the war. He especially enjoyed working in the coin room at Harrah’s Club in Lake Tahoe where he met many famous stars of the day. When he came back home he became a partner in a local service station, and over the years was involved in many other ventures too, finally settling in at the Clyde/Findlay division of Whirlpool in the Tool Room. He left there in the mid 1970’s to manage the Handy Hardware Co. in LaRue, Ohio. It was there he found his ideal workplace. This was truly his niche. It is here he thrived as he always made sure he exceeded his customer’s expectations and made many lifelong friends along the way too. Don retired from there after two decades of great times and very successfully serving his many clients and customers.
Don was a man of many interests and passions. He enjoyed antiques, playing the lottery, old cars, collecting elderberries, fishing, pickled eggs, watching Fox News, a good steak, a filter-less cigarette, a serving of chunky fries and gravy, a friendly game of penny poker, and a good can of beer. But the most pleasure he ever had was just listening as his wife Grace who would play the organ and belt out an old favorite song. Those were truly the days…
The art of the deal was another source of great enjoyment for him, as he was very comfortable with negotiating from either side of the table. Always busy, Don was extremely handy and mechanically gifted. He leaves behind many pieces and projects as testimony to his skill. He valued his family very much, both past and present. Don was proud of his family’s history and the adventures and accomplishments of his ancestors, as well as those of his current day family; especially those of his grandchildren. A truly colorful man, this world became just a little less interesting. Don will be missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 East Center Street, Marion, from 1PM to 2PM; Funeral services will immediately follow at 2PM with Pastor Tim Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Grand Prairie Cemetery.
If so desired, donations may be made to any local Veterans programs in honor of Don.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to be serving Don's family, and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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