Dale Jay Underwood

Dale J. Underwood and his twin sister, Gayle May, was born June 22, 1933, on the family farm south of Otego, Kansas, to Charley and Elsie (Snyder) Underwood, and died Monday, April 11, 2011, at Stormont Vail Healthcare, Topeka, Kansas, at the age of 77 years, 9 months and 19 days.

Throughout their childhood and through all of their adult lives, Dale and Gayle shared a special bond which began even before birth as they “rivaled in the womb.” The Christian Church in Otego provided a place for worship for the Underwood Family. Dale attended Limestone District #99, and then finished his education at Esbon High School in 1951.

Dale was married to Patti Ann Underwood, and one son was born, Max, and later to Oudia Griffeth, both ended in divorce.

Dale served in the United States Air Force. He served two tours in Vietnam, and was assigned to the Presidential Air Wing, serving under President Lyndon Johnson. Before retiring, Master Sergeant Dale Underwood finished his military career as a crew chief on planes flying in and out of McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington.

After Dale retired from the Air Force, he returned to Esbon, Kansas, and returned to farming, heating and air conditioning work, and helping anyone who had a project to work on. Dale was very active in the Esbon United Methodist Church, a life-long member of the Esbon American Legion, Esbon Lions Club, Mankato Masonic Lodge No. 87 A.F. & A.M., and Isis Shrine Temple of Salina.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers - Max and Milton; sister – Gayle May Cole. He is survived by his son – Max M. Underwood of Columbus, Ohio; sisters – Lorna and husband, Nolan Hajny of Smith Center, Kansas, Corrinne and husband, Eugene Johnson of Blaire, Nebraska, and Charlotte and husband, Bob Frank of Silver Lake, Kansas; brother – Verle of Bellevue, Nebraska; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of life service will be (was) held Monday, April 18, 2011, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church, Esbon, Kansas, with Pastor Gerry Sharp officiating. Mrs. Wanda Thummel will be (was) the organist, and hymns will be (was) lead by John and Thelma Beam. Casket bearers were: Wesley Cole, Rodney Cole, Rickey Underwood, Roger Underwood, Lane underwood, and Melvin Hajny. Military rites will be (were) presented by United States Air Force Honor Guard, McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, Kansas, and Perry Lamb American Legion Post No. 368, Esbon, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to the United Methodist Church in honor of Dale J. Underwood. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.