Gary D. Underwood
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Gary's obituary
The family of Gary Daryl Underwood of Grovertown, Indiana is saddened to announce his death at the age of 72. Gary passed away peacefully after an extended illness on April 1, 2025.
Gary was born on October 28, 1952 in West Chester, Pennsylvania to Harvey and Lillian “Betty” (née Gheen) Underwood.
In 1961, his family moved to Merrillville, Indiana. Growing up, Gary and his siblings were a close knit, fun loving bunch and remained so over the course of their lives.
Gary attended Merrillville High School where he was a member of the marching band, playing both trumpet and drums. Music was an important part of his life. In addition to playing in the band he also played guitar and later took great pleasure in building an extensive stereo system and collecting records.
As a young man, he discovered an aptitude for working on engines and anything with wheels. This early interest led to what would become his career path in commercial trucking mechanical repair and maintenance. He also loved cars and was a lifelong fan of car racing.
After graduation, Gary was drafted into military service in 1972, the last year of the draft during the final years of the Vietnam conflict. While he experienced being drafted as a challenge, he accepted the responsibility and served with honor. A veteran of the US Army, he served in Germany guarding and maintaining America’s Pershing missile systems located there. After completing his tour of duty in 1975, he was honorably discharged as Private First Class and returned home to his family in Merrillville, Indiana.
In 1976, Gary married his former wife Denise Martine (née Krayniak). As young newlyweds, they enjoyed attending many big name concerts, car races, and weekend boating trips. Because they both came from large families, they also enjoyed many get togethers and outings with their extended families and friends. They eventually settled in Kouts, Indiana where they welcomed their 3 beautiful children into the world during their 15 year marriage.
In 1999, Gary married Sarah “Jean” Davis. They settled in Grovertown, Indiana in 2006 where they lived together until his death. After his retirement in 2014, Gary had the good fortune of being able to enjoy his free time accompanied by Jean and the families of her adult children. Relaxing at their home in Grovertown was a joy to them and they also relished their time together while traveling the country in their RV.
Gary was employed at various transportation companies throughout the years, specializing in diesel mechanics and fleet management. He spent the greatest portion of his working life at Thermo King Manufacturing, where he retired from his managerial position in 2014.
Gary’s no-nonsense “keep things running” approach to life as well as his quirky sense of humor will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Gary is survived by his wife, Sarah “Jean” Underwood; his former wife and mother of their children, Denise Martine; his children, Kristina “Kris” Underwood, Matthew “Matt” Underwood, and Alex Underwood; his grandchildren Catalina “Cat” and Catherine “Cate”; and his sister Cheryl (Mike) Sopko. In addition, several nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends mourn his loss.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents Harvey and Lillian “Betty” Underwood and his brothers Harvey Underwood, Kenneth “Kenny” Underwood, and Tyrell “Ty” Underwood.
In accordance with Gary’s wishes, following cremation there will be no formal service held and no gravesite.
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