June
9, 1946 - Feb. 23, 2010SOUTH BEND - Thomas Aaron Underwood Jr., 63, passed away at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in his residence. Thomas was born on June 9, 1946, in Memphis, TN, to the late Thomas A. and Audrey Mae (Allgood) Underwood Sr. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Ferguson. On October 4, 1998, he married Gloria (Weesner) Underwood in South Bend, who survives along with his children, Linda Shreeve of FL, Thomas "Junior" Underwood of Elkhart, Steve (Jennifer) Underwood of Elkhart and Erna (Rick) Fisher of Elkhart; two stepchildren, Tracey Jean Szczepanski of South Bend and Rick Szczepanski of South Bend; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; five brothers, Mark (Darlene) Underwood, George Underwood, Robert (Dawn) Underwood, Daniel Underwood and Larry (Kathy) Underwood; three sisters, Dena (David) Rogers, Martha (Dennis) Stites and Dorothy Underwood; a brother-in-law, Ed Ferguson; 28 nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Maclyn "Mary" Weesner; and brother-in-law, Gary (Christa) Weesner. He is also survived by his special friend, Vicky Whittaker, and sister-in-law, Pam Weesner, whose help and friendship mean more than words can express. Thomas served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam and was a member of American Legion Post 308. He lived to fish, enjoyed NASCAR, and was a huge Indianapolis Colts fan. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. today, February 25, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road. A funeral service will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26, in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend IN 46637. For those who are unable to attend the funeral service, condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.