Lt. Col. Vernon Warren Underwood

Vernon Warren Underwood passed away peacefully on August 25, 2011 at the age of 92, surrounded by his family.

He was born on September 8, 1918, in Selma, California to Vernon Lawler Underwood and Osie Grace Underwood (Sensney), both from Fresno, California. In his youth, he spent many days with his father in the high Sierra Mountains, enjoying the hunting and fishing and beauty of the California scenery. He married La Verne O. Weirick in 1943. They had met at Fresno State College during a church dance. They moved to Pacific Grove in 1950. Vernon felt very lucky to live in such a beautiful state and had a particularly strong bond to the Monterey Peninsula which he loved dearly.

Vernon was in the United States Army for 20 years. He served in the European Theatre during World War II where he earned both the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star Metal for valor. During the Korean War he provided daily briefings to Commanding General Van Fleet. His military career took him and his family to Japan after World War II, and then to Europe where he was stationed in Mannheim, Germany. Both assignments were for three years. His final posting was at Fort Ord where he retired in 1962 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Vernon had a varied military career spending time in the infantry, intelligence, logistics and experimental weapons. He worked for the United States Civil Service as a manager of logistics operations as his second career.

Vernon is survived by his wife, La Verne, of 68 years and their three sons, Scott of Coloma, Stephen of Hydesville, and Mike of Gilroy. His oldest child, Karen Miller, predeceased him in 1992. He has eleven grandchildren and 10 great- grandchildren. His hobbies included playing tennis, snow skiing, gardening and being an all-around sports fan. He was an ardent Forty-Niner fan both through the good and the bad years. After his retirement he developed a section of acreage in San Benancio Canyon which was his sanctuary in the sun. He was a fixture on the walking path in Pacific Grove, where he walked his two miles daily until very late in life. Being an avid reader and keeping on top of current events, Vernon was always ready for a debate over the issues of the day. He was fortunate to be blessed with a very inquisitive and intelligent mind which never rested.

Vernon’s family would like to thank both his caregivers and the Hospice staff for their love and support.

A Memorial Service will be held in Pacific Grove later in the year.