Norman Underwood's Obituary
Norman Underwood, 71, of Fair Play went to be with the Lord on March 13, 2009. He was battling a brush fire on his farm at the time of his passing. He was born January 16, 1938 in Aldrich, Missouri to Fredrick and Joye Underwood. Norman was saved as a young boy on a Sunday morning at Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Dunnegan. His faith was a central part of his life. Norman graduated from Fair Play High School in 1955. He served his country from 1957 to 1960 in the U.S. Armed forces while stationed in Germany. Norman lived in Cleveland, Ohio and Los Angeles, California before returning back to Southwest Missouri in 1967 where he lived the rest of his days. He found the love of his life in Geraldine Williams of Springfield. The couple wed February 4, 1966 in Las Vegas, Nevada and just celebrated their 43rd anniversary. She survives. Other survivors include the couples three children along with their spouses: Felicia and Rex Jump, Bolivar; Timothy and Charlotte Underwood, Columbia and Andrew and Rhonda Underwood of Ava, Missouri. Six grandchildren: Reece Jump of Bolivar; Kaleigh Shea of Longwood, Florida; Austin Underwood of Ava and Kjia, Ethan and Elena Ruth Underwood of Columbia. Other survivors include siblings: Fredrick (Junior) Underwood Deer Park, TX; Paul Underwood, Fair Play; Clifford Underwood, St. Louis; Carolyn Keller, Nixa and Katherine Underwood, Kansas City, MO, and a large extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews. Norman was employed at McQueary Bros. Pharmaceutical in Springfield, Missouri for 39 years retiring in December of 2007. He worked his way up from stocking shelves in the warehouse to eventually the Missouri Pharmacy Association Traveler of the Year in June 1999, calling on clients in three states. He loved his job. He loved farming even more, running almost 300 acres of crop, hay and livestock. Upon retirement, he loved to spend his time with his Stihl chainsaw in the woods. He cut wood for his family, his church and others in need. Like his father before him, farming was in his blood and he loved the land. He also had a great love for the church at Fair Play Baptist where he was a member. He served as a Sunday School teacher, trustee and deacon. After being called into the ministry he served as a pastor at Mt. Etna in Bolivar in 2007 before returning to Fair Play Baptist as the Associate Pastor in 2008. He also served his community as a school board member in the 70's and 80's, participating in the Lions Club and being a current member of the Grand Lodge, Shriners of North America Abou Ben Admen in Springfield. Norman loved to play as hard as he worked; taking many trips with Geraldine to Branson, watching basketball games, especially when his son Andy took his Fordland boys basketball teams to the State Championships in 1998 and 1999. In later years, Norman enjoyed his daily trip to Hannah's Store in Fair Play to have coffee with the boys. For him Saturday was a time of rest and relaxation. He and Geraldine also spent much time visiting their many friends and family. The couple did just about everything together. Norm was a stranger to no one and a friend to everyone he met. He was much loved and respected. He was a pillar of his family and community. He will be missed. A memorial funeral services for Norman will be held on Tuesday evening, March 17, 2009 at 6:00 P.M at the First Baptist Church in Fair Play, MO with Rev. David Stunkel officiating. His burial will be on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. in the Barren Creek Cemetery west of Bolivar under the care and direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Full Military Honors will be provided by the AMVETS Post #114, Flemington, MO. Masonic Services will also be conducted at the Graveside All people are welcome to attend either service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Mt. Vernon Children’s Home % Missouri Baptist Children’s Home 11300 St. Charles Rock Road Hutchens Campus Bridgeton, MO 63044 Attn: Christiana Mustion. Friends may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com Return to top
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