GOREVILLE - Robert (Bob) LeeUnderwood, 86, of Peoria, formerly ofMattoon, died at 4:08 a.m. Tuesday, Aug 23, 2005, in Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria.
    He was born Sept. 8, 1918, in Goreville, the son of Allen Lee and Pearl (Russell) Underwood.
    Bob married Dean (Evans) Underwood Aug 13, 1939, in Madisonville, Ky., with his Uncle Tommy Coleman performing the ceremony.
    In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Gary L. Underwood and wife, Bina of Peoria, and Tom E. Underwood and wife, Julie of Liberty, Mo.; grandchildren Brandon Underwood of Bloomington, Heather Underwood of Springfield and Sam Harris of Liberty, Mo.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Kenneth L. Underwood and a sister, Lucille Maze.  Still living is one sister, Nadine Benson of Goreville.
    Bob attended Southern Illinois University and taught school for three years in Southern Illinois.  After teaching school, he served with the United States Aircorp for three years and was a veteran of World War II, obtaining the rank of Sergeant.  After his military service, he moved to Mattoon.
    He opened Underwood Dental Lab and, in partnership with Richard Kepp, operated the Dental Lab for over 50 years.
    He is past president of the Illinois Dental Lab Association.
    He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church serving on the church board for many years.  He was also a member of the Mattoon Rotary Club.  Bob spent many years helping organize youth baseball in Mattoon and was president of the Babe Ruth League.
    Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, 2005, in Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home in Mattoon.  The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at First United Methodist Church.  The Rev. Ron Dickinson will officiate.  Burial will follow in Dodge Grove Cemetery in Mattoon.  In addition, a memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29, at Lutheran Hillside Village, 6901 N. Galena Road, Peoria, IL.
    Although Bob has passed on, his generosity, compassion for his fellow man, and devotion to his God, will live on in our hearts forever.
    Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Mattoon.

The Southern Illinoisan
Wednesday, August 24, 2005