Donald Lee Underwood's Obituary
Donald Lee Underwood was born December 28th, 1938, in Casper, Wyoming. He passed away January 13th, 2025, at the age of 86.
Don was one of 13 children. 6 boys, 7 girls and baby girl Underwood (stillborn). He is preceded in death by his wife, Joy Underwood, his parents, Samuel and Ethel Underwood and siblings Norma Hauser, Edith Lowery, Evelyn Franklin, Doris Caves, Glen Underwood, Elmer Underwood, Sam Underwood and Joyce Underwood.
He is survived by his daughter Donna Frazier and husband Mark Frazier. His beloved granddaughters Ashley Olson and her son Aiden, and Amber Huckaby and her husband Bil Huckaby and their daughter Imogen. His remaining siblings, Lynn Taylor, Jim Underwood and Carol VanBuskirk, as well as his step-grandsons, and many nephews and nieces.
His family was his whole life. It started in Wyoming, growing up in a 2-room shack. He lived there with his parents and five of his 11 siblings. Life was hard but, he often spoke fondly of his family and their adventures.
Natrona didn’t have a high school so when it was time for him to attend, he moved to Casper, Wyoming to live with his older sister Joyce Underwood. When he graduated, he joined the Army, January 1957. He was stationed in Germany as a radio Teletype Operator and honorable discharged, December 1962.
He met his future wife, Joy Fay Hall while working at a restaurant named Marshall’s. They married, April 30th of 1963 and the following year their daughter arrived. Don worked for Safeway/Homeland as a meat cutter for over 40+ years. In the early 70’s they moved to Oklahoma so that their daughter could grow up near her surviving grandparents.
He shared the love of fishing with his daughter and many memories were made in both Wyoming and Oklahoma. His biggest joy was retiring early so he could become his granddaughter’s before and after school care. As they grew up, he became their chauffer to every activity you can imagine.
Then came his great-grandchildren. It brought him such joy to see them, and he felt blessed to be part of their little lives.
You would think he was a people person if you ever met him. Everyone loved him, which is funny in away because he really didn’t want to be around people that weren’t his family. He was shy but would defend his family to the end. He was a hero to all his family, and he will truly be missed.
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