Almon “Al” Underwood

Almon "Al" Underwood

1929-2014

Al Underwood, 85, of Oklahoma City Oklahoma passed away Thursday, September 11, 2014. He was born August 20, 1929 in Stratford, Oklahoma to Almon and Aver Underwood. He was the eldest of three boys.

Al graduated from Stratford High School. He then continued his education to attend Oklahoma State University as a freshman, and completed his Bachelor's Degree in Education at East Central State College. He finished his Master's Degree in Administration at the University of Oklahoma where he continued work on his Doctorate.

In 1955, Al married the love of his life Janis Berry. Al continued to teach, coach, and eventually become principal in Ninnekah, Oklahoma where they began their family. He became Superintendent of Schools at Ninnekah and then moved to Newcastle, Oklahoma where he was Superintendent. Al changed positions to be the head of Adult Education at the State Department of Education where he retired.

Al played baseball in high school with his brothers and continued his baseball career into college. Al was an avid sports fan of OU, OSU, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He cherished his wife Jan of 59 years, his children, and especially his grandchildren Cory, Alexis, and Missi. "Papa" was always there when they needed him and always showed interest in anything they were doing. He valued education and each time before they left after visiting him he would always say, "I'm proud of you!" He was the eternal optimist and always made everyone feel special.

He was preceded in death by his parents Almon and Aver Underwood, brother Jerald Underwood and sister-in-law Dorothy Underwood. Al is survived by his wife of 59 years Jan Underwood, daughter Kim Treece and husband Dean Treece of Edmond, Oklahoma, son Tim Underwood and partner Gene Strange of Studio City, California; grandchildren Cory Treece and Missi Treece of Broken, Arrow Oklahoma, and Alexis Treece of Edmond, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his brother Dean Underwood and wife Dana Underwood, brother- in- law Ed Berry and wife Debra Berry, sister-in-law Kathryn Weddle-Baine and Neil Hawthorne; his numerous nephews and nieces, Chad Berry and wife Kim Berry, Lindsey Smith and husband Sean Smith, Lisa Prentiss and husband Kent Prentiss, Chris Moore, Terry Underwood and wife Susan Underwood, Mark Underwood and wife Diane Underwood, and Blake Underwood and wife Karen Underwood and numerous great-nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his wonderful relatives and friends of Ninnekah, Newcastle, and Sutton Place in Oklahoma City of whom he enjoyed all their friendship and support through- out the years.

A special thank you to the special caregivers Fabrice, Maria, and Diane of whom were such a comfort.

Memorial Services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on September 17, 2014 at Matthews Funeral Home 601 S. Kelly, Edmond, Oklahoma.

Memorial Contributions can be sent to Integris Hospice Home, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.