Robert Underwood

Robert L. “Bob” Underwood was a humble man with a rich history. He was a 5th generation farmer, whose family tree could be traced to the settling of Mid-Michigan. He was justifiably proud of his roots and motivated to serve the country that nurtured his pioneer spirit. Though serious about his work, he was playful at heart, and the “kid” in him let Bob enjoy a long and prosperous life.

Robert was born August 31, 1914, on the family homestead in Essex Township, Michigan. He was the son of Abram and Edith (Payne) Underwood, the eighth of eleven children. His family were sheep farmers, dating back to the days of the pioneers. The legacy of history and heritage contributed to Bob’s sense of duty to his family, the land, and his country.

Bob’s love of family came to dramatic expression one day when his little sister, Lorraine fell from the hay wagon. He jumped down and pulled her to safety, thereby saving her life. It was a natural response for a kind boy such as Bob, who was always considerate and good-hearted.

As a youngster, Bob was a go-getter at work and play. Farming side-by-side with his dad, Bob still managed to play school sports. In his teen years, he played basketball for Maple Rapids High School. The “River Rats” were a tight group of friends and a fine team (Bob was the last one of the team to pass away). They took the regional championship in Bob’s junior year, and they won the state class D championship in his senior year. So dedicated was he to his family and his team, Bob routinely went to basketball practice after school, and then ran the two miles home to help on the farm.

Sadly, Bob’s father passed away in 1941, and just two months later, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army. He participated in the Pacific Theater during WWII, and in his five years of service, won medals as a “Marksman.” Bob served admirably and received the sincere appreciation of a grateful nation. Immediately after his discharge, he went right to work on the farm, where he would remain for more than 50 years.

Besides raising sheep and black angus cattle, Bob’s duties on the farm were broad. When his brother was away, he cared for albino raccoons that his brother had bred. He also went clam-diving in the Maple River and took the shells to Ionia, where he sold them to a button factory. For nearly 20 years, Bob cared of his widowed mother, again showing his magnanimous heart.

Having lived as a bachelor for many years, Bob was blessed by the love of a woman named Wanona Earl. When they first learned of each other, she was living across country. Bob’s neighbor had met Wanona’s brother in Texas and, when he also got to know Wanona, he must have thought she would be great for Bob. Somehow he convinced Wanona to come to Michigan to meet his neighbor Bob. That was the start of a loving relationship that culminated in marriage on April 24, 1971 in Maple Rapids, Michigan. The Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church, where Bob was a member, was part of the community that supported their life together.

Bob and Wanona enjoyed life on the farm that included tending a big garden as well as animals. He liked to fish and hunt, especially deer hunting up north with his nephews and brothers-in-law in Merritt, Michigan. In retirement, Bob and Wanona were free to travel, and they wintered in Arizona. As a member of the V.F.W. Post #3733, Bob maintained his loyalty to his country and his fellow servicemen.

Then in May of 1999, Wanona passed away, and Bob and his sister Lorraine reestablished their close bond. He spent ten winters in Zephyrhills, Florida, and she took care of him for the last decade of his life.

On the same homestead he was born, Bob died Tuesday, March 30, 2010. He lived his entire life of 95 years on the banks of the Maple River as a proud countryman and devoted family man.

Robert L. Underwood was preceded in death by his wife Wanona. Surviving Robert is his sister, Lorraine Wright and many special nieces and nephews. Also preceding him are his parents; four sisters and their husbands, Reba (Vern) Craig, Theda (Nelson) Hull, Leda “Jack” (Marion “Buck”) Husted, Maple (Don Upton, Elston Hicks) Upton Hicks; three brothers and their wives, Acil (Madge) Underwood, Anzel “Dud” Underwood, Merwyn “Oak” (Evelyn) Underwood; brother in law, Clinton Wright; infant sister, Eva Leone Underwood and infant brother, Eldon Underwood. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 AM, Saturday, April 3, 2010, at the Abbott Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 509 E. Main St., Maple Rapids, with Pastor Kathy Leydorf officiating. Intombment to follow at Payne Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home 2-4 and 6-8 PM Thursday. Memorials may be made to V.F.W. Post #3733 Fowler or the charity of family’s choice, in Robert’s name. To learn more about Robert and view his Life Story film, visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/57515, where you can share a memory or photo, and sign his memory book.