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Gary Frank Underwood, 47, of Fredericksburg was called home by his Heavenly Father to live with Him for eternity on Saturday, April 18, 2009.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen Underwood, and then his adopted parents, Lee and Myrtle Underwood, both when he was young.
He graduated from Fort Cherry High School, McDonald, Pa., in 1979 and entered the military in 1980, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force. In 1994, he earned the non-commissioned officer of the quarter in Bitburg, Germany, and received an honorable discharge in 1996. At age 20, he married his best friend, whom he loved faithfully for 27 years until the day he was called home. During their years of marriage, God blessed them with six children, who were his pride and joy.
"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD. The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of the warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." -Psalm 127: 3-5.
He participated in numerous things throughout his life, but all paled in comparison to his passion and devotion for his Lord and family. He served others unselfishly his entire life with but one dream for himself, to learn to play the guitar. His wife and children were able to bless him in 2005 with a unique, hand-crafted Baruch Psalm 95 guitar. He diligently practiced and was able to fulfill his dream prior to to passing.
He is survived by the love of his life, his cherished wife Cheryl Ann "Sherry" Schultz Underwood, and his children, all of Fredericksburg, who loved and respected him dearly: his firstborn, Garrett Underwood and his wife, Kelly, who was loved and accepted as a daughter and who now mourns the loss of a father; Spc. Bradd Underwood of the 55th SUS Brigade; his princess, Amber Underwood and her finance Chris Hadnot--who had a relationship of respect, love and grace with Gary of which both of them greatly cherished; his work buddy, Tylor Underwood; his comedian, Luke Underwood; and Samuel Underwood, his guitar buddy.
All cherished the strong family values they were raised with and remain close to home.
Also surviving are his three sisters, Patricia Haber, Mary Dell Darnell, and Donna Marie Hieatt; his adopted siblings, Tish Zeigler, Janet Grier, Lee Underwood Jr., as well as numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held at noon Friday, April 24, at Independent Church, 112 Dempe St., McDonald, Pa. 15057. Interment will follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghanies.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Bagnato Funeral Home, 50 Jefferson St., Carnegie, Pa. 15106.
A celebration of his life will be held in Fredericksburg at a later date.
