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BORN
1940
DIED
2025
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Ronald Underwood Obituary
While I may have been a native of Kansas (for the first eight years of my life), I consider myself a true Californian. (Oakdale-3 years, Modesto-55 years, and Fresno since 2006).
Mom (Lois) and Dad (Howard) (both deceased) and a younger brother Jim (Phoenix) made up the family. I grew up in and still am a member of the United Methodist Church and for thirteen of my younger years was a Sunday school teacher and a Youth Fellowship Advisor.
I led a rather "normal" life, had a most meaningful career, and shared 52 wonderful years with a loving, caring wife, Sharon.
I graduated from Modesto's Downey High School and Fresno State College prior to returning to Downey for nine years to begin a 42-year teaching career. I added 33 more years at Modesto's Beyer High School. I taught and coached speech and debate through all those years. There were hundreds of weekend speech tournaments with thousands of young speakers. And they (we) worked hard together and were quite successful, competitively. My final speech teaching/coaching came as a six-year assistant at Fresno's Edison High School and then a five-year stint assisting at Wawona Middle School in Fresno.
I was proud to be honored with election to both the California and National Speech Hall of Fames as well as being a 10-diamond coach.
I served on the California High School Speech Association Council for 46 years. I held the positions of Area II Chairman for 19 years, Curriculum VP for 2 years, VP of Activities for 3 years, secretary for 1 year, and curriculum representative, and representative at large.
I was the co-author of the California High School Speech Association 50-year anniversary yearbook. I was the founder of the Redwood Middle School Speech and Debate League. I was the co-chairman of the first CHSSA Middle School speech tournament.
Because I was never very athletic, I could only be a fan. And that I was. From the time I was ten years old I was a fan of San Francisco baseball. (Seals) And when the Giants arrived in '58 it became a lifetime affair.
The shining star of my life was Sharon. Through all those 52 years, we shared most everything. She was a librarian at the school where I taught, and she traveled and worked with us on all of our speech trips. Leisure travels together included many trips to Hawaii and Branson and other touristy places as well.
Sharon always reminded me that "you could never get along without me." And you know something: she was absolutely right.
Surviving me, in addition to Sharon and brother Jim, are nephew Adam Burger (San Jose), and nieces Angela Burger Diaz (Whittier), Belinda Burger (Fresno), Jessica Underwood (New York), Christine Reynoso (Altadena), great-nephew Elias Diaz (Whittier), and thousands of ex-speechies.
No one ever wants life to end, but, if it must, I know I've had a wonderful one, surrounded by wonderful people. And, if I could do it all over again, I would, without a doubt.
I love you Sharon and always will.
Ron.
A private family burial service was held.
A donation in Ron's name can be made to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Underwood
Sponsored by ModestoBee.com.
Tammie Hill Moss
November 13, 2025
My daughter, Susan Hill, had Mr. Underwood as her speech teacher at Beyer High School. She now works for Placer County Department of Education. His teaching helped her in so many ways. He will be missed.
Gertrude V K Leachman
November 4, 2025
I seem to remember Mr. underwood from Modesto High
Lisa Hillstrom
November 3, 2025
Rest in peace Ron. You were a tireless mentor and an amazing teacher. You gave so much of yourself while you enriched and improved all of our lives. I am forever grateful you were my speech coach and I was one of "Ron´s little angels." You taught us how to research, write letters to congressional reps, flow an argument, organize, the importance of citing & sourcing, the value of practice (talking to walls was a norm in the English wing) and how to effectively speak & present. You gave us a lifetime of experiences and opportunities and helped us build lifelong skills and friendships.
And for these reasons and more, my colleague (debate partner Leanne has already presented below) and I stand firmly resolved that Ron Underwood has earned the title GOAT because he was the most kind, dedicated, and successful speech coach this nation has ever had. You set high expectations for us but we always felt valued whether we won or lost a round. And while it´s not up for debate, if someone wanted to argue, we have all the supporting evidence we need and can wheel it in on dollies and pop open our briefcases if necessary. No one can dispute the fact that you, Ron Underwood were simply the best speech coach ever.
I have so many fond memories of my four years as a speechie. What a ride! My senior year you flew a handful of us to San Antonio, TX for Nationals. I´ll never forget looking at your face during the division tournament in Nevada for a clue, just a hint to see if I had won and qualified. You kept that poker face up until the very end and then glowed proudly when I received my trophy. My win was your win.
Ron- thank you for believing in me and showing me a bigger world beyond the walls of Beyer HS. My first college campus visits were during weekend speech tournaments with you. We travelled all over together.... and all you asked of us (other than to do our best) was "Kids do you have any candy?" You´d hyper extend your arm into the backseat while Sharon looked on, and we´d wrestle up a handful of m&ms, hot tamales, starbursts, skittles, now & laters, or whatever we happened to have from the backseat as you drove.
Sharon- Thank you for always being there. You were the quiet unsung hero behind the scenes helping make things possible and keeping things calm. Behind our amazing speech coach was an extraordinary, selfless partner and savvy librarian. You always had his back and he always had ours. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We send our deepest condolences, blessings and love to you.
Lastly to Ron- a personal thank you for ignoring my ignorance and letting me speak uninterrupted for at least 3 minutes straight during my first impromptu speech which I organized so well using the child/adolescent/adult framework. In my nervousness, I mispronounced and misunderstood the word, but you let me continue and showed grace in spite of my folly for a speech that was surely used as a humorous anecdote for years to come.
Every time I step up to a podium or microphone I bring you and your teachings with me. Your legacy lives on in us all. Thank you Ron. God speed.
Jamie Tull
November 3, 2025
Because of Mr. Underwood, I am a teacher today and I also have a reader´s theater club that I coach. He was a huge inspiration in overcoming public speaking fears and difficulties. I will never forget him!!
Carrie
November 3, 2025
I knew Ron since he was our youth leader at the Methodist church when I was in middle school. He was a great leader and I have so many great memories.
Monroe McBride
November 3, 2025
Mr. Underwood has had more impact on my life than any of the other excellent teachers I had in high school. I was a student of his at Downey from 1968 to 1971. Because of what he taught me, I became more confident, much better able to think on my feet, dramatically more effective presenting ideas and making cases for my point of view, and enabling me a better social presence. All of these things have been fundamental to my success and happiness in life.
Thank you Mr. Underwood.
Rev. Debra Brady
November 1, 2025
Dear Sharon,
I appreciated being acquainted with Ron in the early years of my appointment as the pastor of First UMC in Modesto. He conveyed deep faith, genuine passion for his calling, and graciousness. I enjoyed hearing storied from people in the congregation who had him as a youth counselor, teacher, debate coach and friend. Your deep devotion to each other and partnership over these decades is a blessing not only to your family but to the greater community. You are in my prayers in this season of grief.
Becky Killian Neal
October 31, 2025
Ron was an amazing speech coach in my 4 years at Beyer. He truly loved coaching and teaching. I will be forever grateful for my time as one of his Beyer "speechies".
Kathleen Marie Wood
October 31, 2025
Sharon, my deepest condolences for your loss. I loved my interactions with you and Ron while I was employed at Beyer High School as the Data Entry Clerk. Enrolling students, scheduling, signing students up for classes, and interacting with teachers like Ron to schedule student conflicts specific classes such as Speech and Choir. I pray you feel God's loving arms around you as he welcomes Ron into His Kingdom. God bless you.
Jim K Setrakian
October 31, 2025
Sharon - Ron was a first class gentleman and I held him the the highest regard. I pray our Lord will keep you close during this difficult time. Jim Setrakian
Nancy Moore McDonnell
October 31, 2025
Mr. Underwood was a fantastic teacher! He was my speech and debate teacher as well as my older sisters Kathy Moore and Jeanne Moore
Amber Tierney (Beyer 1995; Team and Individual Debate | Extemperanous)
October 31, 2025
What an amazing person and legacy to leave. Ron was the mentor in my life who shaped my future more than any other. It's impossible to articulate the impact someone like this can have on a young person's sense of self, confidence, identity, and relationship to the intellectual world. As a "Speechie," and it sounds like for the leagues of other "Speechies" - my time with his mentorship gave me a foundation for a true core of self-assuredness and made be believe that I could do anything and change the world. IDK that many people can say that about their life, but for Ron, it sounds like MANY people would say that. Thank you and thoughts are with you, Sharon.
Rest in power.
Joanne Stotts Atkin Ribeiro
October 31, 2025
Mr. Underwood,
Will forever be in my heart as THE best teacher I ever had. WHy? Because he cared. And he coached. And he helped us be the best version of ourselves we could ever be. He was like an older brother, trusted mentor and teacher all rolled into one. He is gone from this life. but will never be forgotten. And we all of us students are on the other side, I look forward with gladness to be able to meet Mr. Underwood again. May he rest in peace for a little while. What a wonderful teacher. Joanne Stotts Atkin Ribeiro
Cynthia Boster
October 30, 2025
Memories keep coming back to me as I think of speech classes and TDHS radio Mr U was there to encourage me He will have a space in my life that I will able to share
Cindy Bjorklund Boster
Barbara Eurich-Rascoe
October 30, 2025
I remember Ron as a shining example of Christian love, as my Sunday school and youth group leader at St Paul's Methodist Church in Fresno, while he was a Fresno State College. He was so smart, and kind, and funny [SO FUNNY]. I was so glad the he and Sharon chose each other as life partners - she was one of my best friends throughout our school years in Fresno. She introduced me to Nancy Drew mysteries, & to the Methodist church. I am saddened to hear of Ron's passing. And I'm delighted to read that his and Sharon's life together was so rich and generative! Love you, Ron & Sharon - forever!
Robert Greenstreet
October 30, 2025
I was one of the thousands of students Ron coached. He was an outstanding recruiter and set standards not previously envisioned by the NFL. He is responsible, so far as I know, for the NFL expanding their measure of a coach's success--to a previously unheard of 10 diamonds. And as far as I know he got there faster than any other high school coach ever. He was an exceptional program administrator as well.
Lynette Baird Eldredge
October 30, 2025
Like so many others, I am honored to be among his former "Speechies." Those 4 years made such a great impact on my life and continues to do so. (In fact, I was just telling my youngest child about my Expository Speeches on Jell-o, Dandelions & Nursery Rhymes the day before hearing of his passing!) He gave me opportunities to be in the spotlight... and the confidence to be comfortable there. Ron even insisted that I speak at our Beyer high school graduation. My speech was titled, "It's the End of the World as we Know It." (a pop culture nod to REM, of course). I feel like that sentiment is applicable to his passing as well... the world will surely not be the same. Yet, he left a legacy of expertise & excellence that will continue to ripple through the decades. I am humbled and grateful from the bottom of my heart. Thank you, Ron.
Gloria Carson
October 29, 2025
Ron was my speech coach as well as my brother Tom´s. So many memories of out of town speech tournaments and chances to travel throughout central and Northern California. I was Ron´s teaching assistant at Thomas Downey High School. Ron helped me obtain a teaching position at Beyer where I continued to teach for 15 years. I have so many fond memories of Ron and Sharon. Mr.Underwood was a fantastic coach and teacher. I was just thinking of him a few days ago, must have been a premonition. I always felt that you should have received far more attention and acclaim than you did because you not only were a great teacher, but you were a friend as well to countless groups of young people just trying to find their way in the world. My sincere condolences to his family. Rest in peace, Ron! Gloria Service/ Carson 10/30/2025
Joan Theaker
October 29, 2025
Ron was the speech teacher and mentor to all of my four sons at Beyer. He was the best teacher imaginal and even got John into Cal Poly with a spwwch major. Sharon, i remember going to speech tournaments in our motor home a few times. I also taught gate English at Somerset and we set up speech mini tournaments to prepare them for speech at Beyer. All of my boys felt Ron prepared them for sucessful careers in their work environments. Joan Theaker
Joyce Gonsalves Mitchell
October 29, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss, Sharon and friends and co-speechies from Beyer. He was a wonderful teacher and i vividly remember how he encouraged me. I came to love impromptu speeches, and I loved my speech team colleagues. I can see him walking fast in the Beyer High School wings, swinging his arms on a mission to get to his next thing. My heart goes out to all your family and close friends and all whom were impacted by his wonderful character and example of hard work and excellence.
Diana (Michael) Jaycox
October 29, 2025
Sharon,
My thoughts and prayers are with you today! Ron will be sorely missed.
I remember when Ron told me he would be teaching speech at Beyer High. I knew then that I would be leaving Downey High behind and joining him at Beyer. I knew I had made the right choice as Bonnie and I became his first 6-0 debate team at State Quals our Junior year! Ron inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone and try new things. I gave Ron credit for my placement in Honors English at Chico State and my journey as a writer. I nominated Ron annually as Teacher of the Year. He was an excellent example of what dedicated teacher looks like. Ron Underwood will always be an inspiration to me.
Diana (Michael) Jaycox
October 29, 2025
Joy Johnson-Baisden
October 29, 2025
I remember you as a teacher at Beyer 1976-1980.
Rest in peace.
Talia (Kopecki) Phillips
October 29, 2025
I knew very young that I absolutely had to go to Beyer High School because of the amazing speech and debate team that Ron had built! Those classes and tournaments helped shape each of us into the wonderful individuals we would become. My heart goes out to his family and all of his students! We lost an exceptional educator! "O Captain! My Captain!" Ron will live forever in each of our hearts and memories!
Ishaq Ali
October 29, 2025
Mr. Underwood was always a great coach and such a fun character to be around. He will be missed
Cesar Ortega
October 29, 2025
What a beautiful!! Human being!! I was in the first graduating class of Beyer but decided to join the Marines instead, I remember Mr Underwood, RIP!! You will truly !! Be missed!!
Thom Rose
October 29, 2025
Ron Underwood was the best teacher I ever had, and I had many good ones. It was not just that he was easy to get along with, which he was, but he taught me the most important skill anyone can learn. That skill is critical thinking. If taught correctly, debate naturally leads to critical thinking, and Ron Underwood taught debate exceptionally well.
Lisa Dugo
October 29, 2025
I remember Mr. Underwood well from Beyer High School. I never had him for a teacher, but many of my friends did. He is one who truly dedicated his life to his profession and helped shape many lives. May God comfort you and your family. Thank you, Mr. Underwood, for your life of dedication. God bless you and keep you.
Nancy Nelson
October 29, 2025
Ron, I am forever grateful for the positive impact you had on my life. You taught the most transferable skill one could teach, speech communication. Far beyond that you taught us hard work, discipline, self respect and pride in ourselves and our team. As much as I hated those lunch time, before school and after school rehearsals at the time, when it came time to execute, our team was always the best or fighting for one of the top seats. Wow- thank you! You will be missed, but the Ron Underwood fan club will forever live on in the stories we tell, albeit they may get a wee bit exaggerated as time goes on. Rest well and I pray I meet you in heaven!
Irene Boutsikakis Kennedy
October 29, 2025
Mr. Underwood,
I was in your speech class at Beyer 1979-1980 and have fond memories of you, and the lessons I learned. Since then, anytime I´ve had to speak in front of an audience, I thought of you. Sleep easy!
Deborah Elizabeth Simon
October 28, 2025
In Memory of Ron Underwood:
Teacher, Speech and Debate Coach, and Mentor
It is with profound respect and gratitude that I honor the memory of Ron Underwood, whose influence shaped not only my career but the lives of countless students and colleagues in the speech and debate community.
In 1973, at the very beginning of my journey as an educator, Ron graciously taught me the essential skills and deeper artistry required to be an effective speech and debate coach. His mentorship was transformative-he didn't simply instruct; he modeled excellence in every interaction, every tournament, and every moment of guidance.
As one of the distinguished leaders of the Yosemite Forensic League, Ron led with exceptional skill, profound expertise, and remarkable talent. His leadership was marked by integrity, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to developing young minds and voices. Watching Ron in action taught me what it truly meant to be a speech and debate coach-the dedication required, the precision demanded, and the passion that fuels genuine educational impact.
Throughout his distinguished career, there was never a moment of doubt about Ron's mastery of his craft. He set the bar extraordinarily high, establishing standards of excellence that inspired all who had the privilege of witnessing his work. His legacy lives on in the coaches he mentored, the students he inspired, and the traditions of excellence he established.
Ron Underwood will be deeply missed, but his influence endures in every debate round, every speech delivered, and every life touched by those he trained. He was a true pioneer and gentleman of forensics education.
With deepest respect and appreciation, Deborah Simon
Karson Kalashian
October 28, 2025
Ron not only inspired me to be a better coach and human, but watching how we treated my daughter when she competed and how he and Sharon rooted for her was one of the highlights of my career. He always knew (Sharon too) that they could have any job at any tournament anytime they wanted in the SVFL because we respected and loved the hell out of them. I often said `do you know who that is!?´ to younger coaches and then explained they were in the same room as a speech and debate icon.
Ron you will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Sharon please reach out if you need anything at all.
Sam Thorne
October 28, 2025
You were also always the busiest person I knew. You wondered aloud why so many people put so many burdens on you. I told you that it was because they know that you'll get it done.
Christina Curtis Hansen
October 28, 2025
I can't even begin to share how Mr. Underwood changed my life. I could have chosen so many avenues in high school, but ai chose speech because he pushed me in ways that helped me to truly find myself. I will never forget his enthusiasm for life and his dedication to each one of his students.
Karen Miscisin
October 28, 2025
Oh Mr. Underwood! You and your wife, Sharon influenced so many young minds. Our Class of 1987 still speaks so fondly of our days in speech. You made us, shaped us, and pushed us to be the best versions of ourselves. I know I speak for many when I say, you left an indelible legacy on so many young people. Our hearts mourn and our spirits soar as you always taught us to do! We loved you!!!
Tom Martin
October 28, 2025
Ron was the consummate Speech teacher. The dedication and service he displayed, along with his wife Sharon, were immeasurable. He was an energizer bunny at Beyer High. He moved in a blur, but he was efficient, knowing exactly what he wanted and needed to do. I appreciated the fact that he was very kind to me. Rest now.
Beyer High School
October 28, 2025
You were so big at our school and made such a good influence on so many people. Some of us wouldn't be the adults that we are right now. Thank you
Jennifer Carlson
Erika Ray
October 28, 2025
Ron Underwood was my debate coach at Downey High School starting in -964 which might have been his first year of teaching. He was a feminist in the best sense of the word encouraging my debate partner and me to qualify for "A" Debate our freshman year. He was one of the kindest most encouraging people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. What a truly successful life.
Nancy Mose
October 28, 2025
My prayers are with you, Sharon Ann.
Kathy Hamilton
October 28, 2025
We ALL loved, cherished and respected you, Mr. Underwood. Your legacy reaches far and wide. God speed.
Matias Drago
October 28, 2025
Thanks for all your patience and wisdom! Beyer's speech team was great because of your mentorship. Warm hugs to your family
M. H. Oppenheim
October 28, 2025
A dedicated teacher and educator who lived a good life, by example. Also unsurprisingly, he wanted the last words, and got them. What a great way to remember him!
B. Gesson
October 28, 2025
I remember him with a lot of gratitude for so many lessons learned- B. Gesson
Leanne (Lacazotte) Lewis
October 28, 2025
Ron Underwood was my teacher, mentor, and friend. As one of his Beyer speechies, I can say that we all loved Ron, and he made a powerful impact on all of us. I wouldn't be where I am today without the help of Ron. He will be missed, but never forgotten
David Dansky
October 28, 2025
Always a role model for me. He demonstrated what it meant to be a great educator and forensics coach. His students and his fellow coaches had nothing but respect for him. In the 25 years I knew Ron, I never heard a bad word said about him. His memory will always be for a blessing.
Larry Smith
October 28, 2025
Ron was a decades long friend in the speech/debate teaching profession. I always enjoyed his company at tournaments and state council meetings. He was truly a dedicated icon for speech and debate competition.
Stephens & Bean Chapel
October 27, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Kent Gripenstraw
October 28, 2025
75 years ago, when I was 10 years old, Ronnie Underwood was my neighbor and best friend. We loved to play baseball and all kinds of games and spent a lot of time together. After living in their home on 1st Avenue in Oakdale for only about a year, they moved to Modesto. For the next 3 or 4 years, I would visit him there, but never saw him again after that. We did get together for lunch in Modesto about 5 years ago, and share a lot of memories. He was a great friend!
Don Swegles
October 28, 2025
Ron was my teacher at Downey High for two years. He was a great teacher and a nice guy. I learned a lot from him.
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