Gary Lee Underwood

Gary L. Underwood passed away on June 11, 2022, at the age of 78 in his hometown of Ottawa Kansas surrounded by love and family. His battle with Parkinson’s Disease in recent years showed his strength and courage in facing life challenges. Despite the pain and quality-of-life issues, Gary exhibited grace and stayed strong until the end. Gary is survived by his wife Chris Underwood of the home, his son Kyle Underwood Denver, son-in-law A.R. Wells, grandson Vaughn Wells and granddaughter Keira Wells all of Lawrence. Gary’s daughter, Barb Wells preceded him in death in 2019. Gary is also survived by two stepsons, Brian Richardson (Dana) Wellsville and Mark Richardson (Catherine) Overland Park, three step-grandchildren, Colin Richardson (Jasslin), Ottawa, Carson Richardson, Lawrence and Chloe Richardson Wellsville and two great grandchildren, Rose and Damian Richardson. Gary is also survived by Barb and Kyle’s mother, Sharon Bennett Underwood, Lawrence, brother Doug Underwood (Marty), Lake Ozark, nieces, Kristin Underwood Allan, Ottawa and Jane Underwood Dubbs (Tommy), Lake Ozark together with great niece Adrienne Dubbs and great nephews Jackson Allan and Robert Dubbs. Gary was born, November 24, 1943 to Glenn and Hazel Underwood, Ottawa. He attended Ottawa schools, Emporia State and Baker University, graduating in 1965. After working in Colorado for one year, Gary returned to Ottawa to work in the family’s business, Underwood Equipment. He retired from that business in 2004. Gary loved his community and was very active with Ottawa civic organizations. He worked tirelessly to build the Jaycees and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce as well as serving as a leader/mentor within the Boy Scouts. He was the first recipient of the Chamber’s Russell Crite’s award. Gary and his brother Doug worked with their father Glenn to provide college scholarships for their employees and employees’ families as well as 4-H and technical scholarships for local kids. He believed in strong communities and worked hard to make Ottawa and Franklin County a great place to live and work. Gary was a great father and a wonderful grandfather to all 5 grandchildren. He was passionate about making time for the kids and boating was his favorite way to make that happen. Gary loved pursuing adventure and always had a trip on the calendar; many of his favorite memories were made behind the wheel of a jeep, the handlebars of a dirt bike or the front seat of a motorhome. He had a love for the mountains as well as the water and never stopped looking for opportunities to enjoy them. There will be a visitation Thursday June 16, 2022, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Dengel and Son Mortuary, 235 S Hickory St Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Friday June 17, 2022, at Dengel and Son Mortuary followed by interment at Highland Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Parkinson’s Foundation which provides life changing medicine to families impacted by this horrific disease c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.