Donald Lee Underwood passed away at his home on July 4, 2011 in St. James, Missouri. Donald Underwood was 72 years, 11 months, and 13 days of age.

Donald Lee Underwood was born on July 21, 1938 at Safe, MO. to his parents: Ira and Viola (Rhodes) Underwood. On October 2, 1988 he was united in marriage to to his high school sweetheart Sharon (Waldron) Underwood in Harrison, Arkansas.

Don loved the outdoors. He walked thier homestead many times a day clearing old trees and grooming the lawn to perfection. He loved his family, gardening, hunting, spending time with his "other" children (pets), and collecting antique die cast cars, trucks, and tractors from shops and gifts given from family over the years. Don and Sharon spent their first anniversary at McDonalds in Gatlingburg, Tennessee which was one of their favorite places to vacation. Their local spot was Treasure Lake in Branson, Mo. where they shared a lot of fond memories with the family. Don was a very hard worker some of his jobs consisted of Brown Shoe in Steelville, Mo.; MoDot and later for the City of St. James. He became a member of the St. James Christian Church as a teenager but recently rededicated his life to Christ. He enjoyed listening to gospel and old country music. He also enjoyed going to see the St. Louis Cardinals. He will never be forgotten and dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Surviving Don Underwood is his loving wife: Sharon Underwood of St. James, Mo.; one son: Danny Underwood and wife Barbara of Newburg, Mo.; one daughter: Pam Fann of St. James, Mo.; two step-children: Kim Lackey and husband Carl of St. James, Mo.; and Brian Curtis of High Gate, Mo.; along with five grandchildren: Terry Fann; Kevin Fann and wife Stephanie both of St. James, Mo.; Daniel Underwood and wife Kayla; Katrina Underwood both of Rolla, Mo.; and Natasha Underwood of Newburg, Mo.; three step-grandchildren: Anthony Lackey of Rock Port, Mo.; Kolt Lackey and wife Dawana; and Amber Royal and husband Andrew both of St. James, Mo.; five great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Don Underwood in death is his parents: Ira and Viola (Rhodes) Underwood; one grandson: Nathan Underwood; and father and mother-in-law: Harold and Helen Waldron.

Services
Visitation will be from 6 PM - 8 PM on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 10 A.M. at the Jones Funeral Home Chapel with speakers: Leroy Nixon and Scott John. Pallbearers will be: Daniel Underwood, Kevin Fann, Leland Underwood, Gary Underwood, Kolt Lackey, and Andrew Royal. Burial will be in the family plot in the Macedonia Cemetery in rural Rolla, Mo.

Memorials may be made to the Phelps County Hospic or American Cancer Society. Cards are available at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.