Jesse A. Underwood

Jesse was born on August 27th, 1944, in Eastland County, Texas to James Andrew and Virginia Catharine (McMillan) Underwood. The family relocated to Lubbock in 1950. Jesse graduated from Monterey High School in 1963. He was attending Texas Tech University when he was drafted and sent to Vietnam where he served one year in the U.S. Army. When he returned, he served two more years at Fort Huachuca, Arizona as a communications specialist. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Lubbock and resumed his education at Texas Tech, graduating with his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1973.

After graduation, Jesse worked for the Veterans Administration, but spent most of his over thirty-five-year career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Jesse worked as a Federal Inspection Officer at the Port of Houston. He also served as USDA Port Director in San Antonio, Texas, and later in El Paso, Texas. He received the Presidential Service Award and also served as a Civilian Advisor to the Military during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon his retirement, he relocated with his family to Lubbock.

Jesse was a faithful Christian and over the years taught Bible Classes, spent some time preaching at a little church in Arizona, and served as a Deacon at Westside Church of Christ in El Paso, Texas.

Family was very important to Jesse. He deeply loved his wife and all five of his children and was extremely proud of them and their accomplishments.

Survivors include his wife Holly Jo Rinard Underwood; son Jesse Alan (Sandi) Underwood of Sanger, Texas; daughter Jennifer (Toby) Szczepanski of Allen, Texas; son Rhett (Caylom) Underwood of Lubbock, Texas; son Ryan (Julia) Underwood of Princeton, Texas; daughter Caitlin Underwood of Lubbock, Texas; brother James (Charlotte) Underwood of Lubbock, Texas; sister Ann (Gerry) Skelly of Magnolia, Texas; brother-in-law Nelson Starr of Highland Village, Texas; brother-in-law Troy (Tavan) Rinard of Cheyenne, Wyoming; grandchildren Justin Underwood, Jacob Underwood, Jessica Underwood and Ava Szczepanski; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Melva Jean Starr.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at a later date.