Jack Charles Underwood died peacefully on May 1, 2024, having spent the days prior surrounded by love and family, at the age of 75.  Jack was born September 10, 1948, at St John’s hospital in Springfield, MO.  He talked fondly and humorously of childhood memories spent with friends and family, riding bikes, fishing at Roaring River, and playing with cousins.  He graduated from Parkview High School in 1966 where he had lettered in basketball.  Elaine Eli captured his heart at Cherokee Lanes with her exceptional bowling skills, and they were married in 1967.  He worked at Dayco for 15 years as a Drafting Engineer and went on to build a career in designing, building, programming and installing industrial machinery.  He had a lifelong passion for fishing, learning, creating, family and God.  He was a member of South Haven Baptist Church where he loved to bring the donuts on Sundays.  He enjoyed playing games of all kinds.  There were countless board games played on the living room floor with his kids.  He is remembered for playing Hangman at Hardees on the way to school with grandchildren, and he was always up for family game night.  Jack was the ultimate handyman and could fix just about anything. He had a passion for woodworking, and he was engaged in planning and creating projects up until his last weeks. He would research, design, and then head to OP Hardwoods to find the right piece of wood for each project.  Scraps of paper could be found laying around his home with sketches and measurements in his distinct writing.  He was curious, still seeking opportunities to learn and gain wisdom even as his health was declining.  His imaginative stories, such as the tale of Ichabod, will be cherished forever.  Jack leaves behind a large, loud, loving family who are already missing him dearly but who will treasure his memories and keep him close.

A memorial service for Jack will be at 6:00 pm Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. A Memorial Visitation will be from 5:00 to 6:00 pm Tuesday prior to the service.