Bernard LeLand Underwood of St. James passed away Saturday June 21, 2008, at the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. He was 79 years 11 months and 15 days of age.

Bernard was born July 6, 1928 in Maries County near High Gate, MO. the son of the late Borden Lyle and Naomi Gibbons Underwood Vetters.

On February 24th, 1952 at the St. James Christian Church, Bernard was united in marriage to Virginia Wikey by Brother Fred Barber. To this union 5 children was born.

Bernard is survived by his wife of the home Virginia Underwood of St. James., Sons: Tracy and wife Debra Underwood of Seymour, Mo., Blev and wife Teresa Underwood of Red Lodge, Montana., Mark Underwood of Ozark, Mo. Daughter : Pam and husband Steve Bernatowicz of Toms River, NJ. Along with 7 grandchildren April and Brad Turner of Fair Grove, Mo., Steven Underwood of Seymour, Mo., Felica Mills of Toms River New Jersey., Luna Bernatowicz of Toms River, Jew Jersey, Jared Underwood and Kira Hudgins of Boseman, Montana, Jessia Underwood of Red Lodge, Montana and Alexis Underwood of Nixa, Mo. along with 4 great grandchildren: Logan Blev Underwood of Boseman, Montana, Tyrese and Dante Underwood and Nyree Michelle Wells.

Bernard is preceded in death by is parents Borden and Naomi (Gibbons) Underwood Vetters, and step father Charles Vetters, along with one son Greg Underwood.

Bernard grew up in St. James where he attended and graduated with honors at John F. Hodge High School. After graduation he worked at the Bishop Clothing Store in St. James and several years at Cuba, where he met Virginia. Bernard entered into the Air Force shortly after there marriage where he remained for 4 years. Bernard and Virginia moved to Springfield area were they raised there family and Bernard worked for Barth's Clothing Store for over 30 years. He also owned an Insurance Agency in Springfield for 7 years. They moved back to St. James and owned the St. James Flag Store for over 20 years. Bernard worked for many years for the Jones Funeral Home. Bernard was active in many organizations including the Kiwanis Club of Springfield, St. James Masonic Lodge # 230 A.F and A.M, Rose Croy. He was a 32 Degree Mason, and spent many hours in Labor. Bernard was also a member of the Abou Ben Adam Temple in Springfield. He was a member of the American Legion of St. James and the St. James V.F.W. along with a member of the St. James Christian Church.

Services
Graveside Services will be conducted at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 25, 2008 with full Military Honor at the Skaggs Chapel Cemetery in Belle, Missouri with Brother Aaron Jeffers officiating. Masonic Service will be held at the graveside by the St. James Masonic Lodge # 230 A.F. and A.M. Pallbearers will be Dennis Branstetter; Andrew Branstetter; Gary Underwood; Steve Lorts; Jimmy Brown; and Richard Jones. Burial will be in the family plot at the Skaggs Chapel in Belle, Missouri.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Fund and St. James Masonic Lodge #230 A.F. and A.M. Cards are available at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.