Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Cletis Underwood Obituary
Cletis Wayne Underwood
March 20, 1926 - Nov. 29, 2021
SPRINGFIELD - Cletis Wayne Underwood, 95, of Springfield, passed away Monday, November 29, 2021, at his home.
He was born March 20, 1926, to Sam and Flossie (Austin) Underwood. He married Alice Opal Watkins on August 9, 1957. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Freda Underwood Lynn.
Cletis received his bachelors and master's degrees at Arkansas State University and his advanced certificate from the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana. He was a teacher for 41 years at various public schools throughout Illinois and was a professor at Lake Land College. During his retirement years, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed genealogy and caring for his pet birds.
He was a member of the American Baptist churches, SAR, Coles County Barbershop chorus and Masonic Lodges.
He is survived by his wife, Alice; children: Eppie (Fred) Dietz and Bruce Underwood; three grandchildren: Jacob (Anne), Jared (Aleece) and Justine; three great-grandchildren: Gideon, Asher and Ada; and his niece, Emily Johnson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a college of your choice.
Memories and Condolences
for Cletis Underwood
6 Entries
George Tinkham
January 9, 2022
I hoped to visit the family today, but I am just not sure that my health is good enough for me to be around others. I thought highly of Cletis and enjoyed all he has done for our S.A.R. chapter. I was blessed to have known Cletis.
George Tinkham
January 9, 2022
Cletis was an inspiration in our Sons of the American Revolution Chapter. His willingness to take on tasks and his fine work as recording secretary helped this Chapter run smoothly. His personality made our meetings pleasant to attend. Also, it was great having a member who just might have been old enough to remember the Revolution!
Christine Grimm
December 16, 2021
Mr. Underwood was a fantastic instructor and a great guy! Christine M Grimm
John Hoffman
November 30, 2021
What a genuinely nice man! Every time I would speak to him he would flash his infectious smile! Be comforted by the fact that he is in the best place ever and when your days on Earth are done, you will meet again!!
Frances Blount
November 30, 2021
Mr Underwood was a teacher at my high school, York Community High School in Thomson, Il. which I attended from 1957 until graduating in 1961. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to Mrs. Underwood ( who was also one of my teachers during those years) and and their family. My maiden name was Frances McCormick.
Norma & Jay Simpson
November 30, 2021
Heaven’s gain is our loss with the passing of Cletis Wayne Underwood✝ He was one of the kindest people I have ever known!
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Cletis Underwood's name
Memorial Events
for Cletis Underwood
Funeral services provided by:
Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home - Springfield437 South Grand Ave. West, Springfield, IL 62704
How to support Cletis's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Cletis Underwood's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
