Richard G. Underwood

Mr. Underwood was always a friend to the Chickasha Public Library. I remember when he and Mrs. Underwood made a donation to the Library to purchase many of Patrick O'Brien's titles for the fiction collection. And long before that, he helped me locate a book that was long out-of-print as a gift for my mother. It was a pleasure and an honor to have been acquainted with him. Catharine Cook, Director Chickasha Public Library

I grew up down the street from the Underwoods. It was always fun to go down to their house and Mr. Underwood would tell great stories to me. I'd set in the rocking chair by the door and look at all the tapes, records and books in the living room. He'd walk me to the gate and watch me walk either across the street or back home. Mr. Underwood is a part of my childhood and I will always love him.

As a teenager when I spent time at the Underwood house, Mr. Underwood’s voice would boom through the house, mostly exhorting Will (and his various friends) to turn the loud music down. “Will Old Boy” was a frequent overture to a requirement for Will to rectify one transgression or another. I can remember that Mr. Underwood was genuinely interested in what we youngsters were up to, despite his frequent inability to understand us. Now I share his frustrations with my attempts to understand my own kids. My consumption of lettuce and mayonnaise sandwiches as a staple food confounded him in our college years. His inability to understand us never lessened his compassion, though. Godspeed Mr. Underwood.

In the 1950's I was born to parents living on the west end of Dakota Avenue and I grew up amidst the love and guidance of Lois Underwood---I have recollections of Richard & Virginia when they came home on visits. When Jay and I were married, we moved back into my childhood home and who was in the Underwood home? Richard & Virginia. Our 2 children, Sally-Belle and Paul-Jayson grew up visiting the Underwoods. About 15 years ago we moved to another home in Chickasha but we continued to visit with Richard and Virginia. They were always so appreciative of any home baked or homemade gift we would take them and they were always so interested in the children--what they were doing and how they were doing. Dick always visited with Jay when he would go to buy groceries at Dunn's Food Center. We miss them and will always fondly remember the Underwood family for they are woven into the fabric of who we are. We send our love and sympathies to the family. Dick will be missed.