Don Underwood

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Donald Lee "Don" Underwood passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, Dec. 23, 2023 in Pineville, Missouri, following a recent decline in health. At 93 he was still the head of his family, a leader in his church, and a well respected and cherished member of the community.

Don was born June 1, 1930 on the banks of Little Sugar Creek near Jane, Missouri. He was the middle child of three sons born to Ray and Alta (Cooper) Underwood. 

In his teens the family moved to rural Pineville, where he graduated from Pineville High School in 1947, at age 16. Finding a job was the only real option for him at this time and he began working and didn’t stop until 2021, when his health forced him to stop.

On March 21, 1950, he married Doris Kathryn Young and to this marriage three children were born, Kenny, Donna, and Dalana. After Doris’s passing in 1983, he married Louise Goade, in 1985 who also preceded him in death in 2014.

Working several jobs, often at the same time, (a 60 hour a week job in a grocery store, picking strawberries in season, refereeing basketball games) he provided for his family and at age 25 he found himself the owner of a small grocery store in Pineville. 

 For five decades he owned and operated Don’s IGA on the Pineville Square. This store became an important part of the community and a meeting place for friends and neighbors. In 1968 he bought his first farm, fulfilling a passion for farming and cattle raising that lasted his lifetime. 

 The Underwood family wishes to say a special Thank You to Ryan Lewis and his family for allowing Dad to continue in the cattle business long after he was physically unable. Don was a devout member of the Pineville Christian Church where he served as an elder for over 50 years.

 

Don’s legacy is carried on by his family. He is survived by his three children, Kenny Underwood and wife, Kathy, Donna Underwood, and Dalana Fuller, and husband, Dan, all of Pineville, Missouri. His seven grandchildren, Gary Landers (Crystal), Kathy Reynolds (Josh), Danielle Nicholas, Dakota Fuller (Dusty), Dana Fuller, Cooper Underwood (Tori), and Connor Underwood (Alexus) are all blessed with memories of a man who took time out of his life to watch them and encourage them in almost every school function and sports event in which they participated. He is also survived by nine great grandchildren. Additional survivors include a step son Rob Goade, wife Terry, grandchildren Rebecca, Mary, Deborah and six great grandchildren. In addition to Doris and Louise, Don is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, and a great granddaughter.

Don was a pillar of the community and admired by many. He was a volunteer fireman for many years, headed the Chamber of Commerce, served as president of the school board and for many years was involved behind the scenes in every event taking place in Pineville.

Funeral Services are 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 31, 2023 at Pineville Christian Church. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. Sunday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are being directed to the Pineville Christian Church or the McDonald County Schools Foundation c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.