Joseph Underwood

Joe was born in 1923 to John and Marie Underwood and grew up on a farm in Mud Lake, Idaho. His brother Ken and sister Helen were in their teens when he was born, and little Joe enjoyed his status as the baby of the family. As a youngster, he might have been something of a prankster. Just how did young Joe always manage to have the winning “lucky bite” at the general store? Was he the one who greased the railroad tracks, or was it just a coincidence that he was present to see the train slide through town? And who was the young fellow in his dad’s Model A spinning donuts on the frozen river? Apparently, kids growing up in Mud Lake knew how to make their own fun.   After completing his regular schooling, Joe went on to trade school in Weiser where he learned to be a machinist. He graduated in 1942 and soon made his way to Seattle along with a couple of friends. He lived in a boarding house and easily found work as an oiler on a shovel.  Under the direction of Charlie the operator, he learned the trade and then found a job as a "shovel runner" with the Seattle Disposal Company. Sometime during his early years in Seattle Joe met Barbara, and in 1946 they had a son, John. Their relationship did not last but Johnnie was the apple of everyone’s eye. Joe later met Coreene Meyer and the two were wed in 1950. They made their family home in West Seattle and little Johnnie was soon joined by a brother, Jay and a sister Jody. Joe and Coreene filled their lives and their home with warmth, friendship and love. The family enjoyed frequent Sunday picnics, fishing expeditions and a few memorable road trips. In 1964 Joe bought a dream car: a 1963 Chrysler 300 J, nicknamed Silver. Silver was only allowed out of the garage for special occasions and remained in Joe’s care for more than 30 years.   Joe was always hard-working, but when he finally retired, he turned his focus to his home. He had always enjoyed woodworking, and now had plenty of time to practice his craft. Coreene helped design and dream up projects, and Joe would build them to her exact specifications. Together the pair also redesigned their yard, adding a new fence and patio as well as the garage he always wanted. Joe and Coreene enjoyed nearly 54 years of marriage before Coreene succumbed to a brain tumor in 2004. In the 8 years since her death Joe faced many challenges, including learning to live alone, cook, shop and keep house. He was determined to finish his life in the home they made together, and true to his. word, Joe lived independently until being stricken with an insurmountable illness in late June 2012.  He died on July 28th, knowing he was beloved.  He will be deeply missed.