Donald E. Underhill

Donald E. Underhill, age 86, of Howell, Michigan, passed away on October 4, 2025. Born on July 22, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, Don was raised in Wixom by his parents, Robert and Margie Simmons.
A proud veteran, Don served his country in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960. Following his service, he built a long and successful career as an engineer with General Motors.
Don had a wonderful sense of humor and a knack for making people laugh - he could turn almost any situation into a funny story. Friends and family will remember him not only for his quick wit but also for his creativity, work ethic, and love of adventure.
He met the love of his life, Leann, through a friend who set them up on a blind date. The two hit it off instantly and were married on September 25, 1988. Together they built a life full of laughter, family, and countless projects.
Don is survived by his beloved wife, Leann Underhill; children Richard (Anica) Harris, Donald (Lisa) Underhill, Ronald (Lynda) Underhill, Deborah (Thomas) Kaleta, Sarah (Clay) Blanchard, and David (Carrie) Walter; grandchildren Kathleen Harris, Alyssa Underhill, Jacqueline (Ryan) Etchison, Jordan Underhill, Brian (Rachel) Underhill, Bradley (Hannah) Underhill, Andrea (Josh) Hanna, Oscar Kaleta, Pierce Blanchard, Cate Blanchard, Emmet Walter, and Miles Walter; as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
An avid outdoorsman, Don was a passionate hunter - to say the least. His home proudly displayed an impressive collection of taxidermy mounts, including whitetail deer, moose, bear, coyote, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, caribou, pheasant, arctic fox, turkey, badger, wolf, and even more exotic species like nilgai and oryx.
Don was also a talented craftsman. Whether working with wood or metal, he had an incredible ability to bring ideas to life. He built tables, benches, file cabinets, fences, and the very mounts that displayed his hunting trophies - each piece evident to his skill and creativity.
Above all, Don lived life fully and with a smile. He was a man who worked hard, laughed often, and loved deeply - leaving behind a lifetime of stories, memories, and laughter that will continue to be shared for generations.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, MacDonald Chapel. 315 N. Michigan Ave., Howell, MI 48843. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at the funeral home. Burial to immediately follow at Sanford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Tunnel To Towers in Don's name. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.WatkinsFuneralHomes.com