Joseph M. "Mike" Underwood

Joseph M. "Mike" Underwood, 79, of rural Edna, passed away the evening of Thursday, April 10, 2025, at his home.

Joseph Michael Underwood was born on January 30, 1946, to Joseph Basil and Bernadine Gayle (Price) Underwood in Parsons, Kansas.  He grew up and attended school in Parsons, graduating from Labette County Community High School in 1964.

Following high school, Mike served in the United States Navy.  From 1969 to 1971, he was an officer for the Parsons Police Department.  In 1971, Mike began working for the Union Pacific Railroad.  He was an engineer until his retirement in 1998.

As a young man, Joseph was a member of the band, The Road Runners.  A gunsmith, he was an avid gun collector and enthusiast.  He enjoyed travelling and cars, but his greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his family.

In September 1965, Mike and Linda Wilson were united in marriage.  The couple later divorced.  In December 1973, he and Martha Myers were united in marriage.  The couple later divorced.  On December 7, 1994, Mike and Mickie (Herron) Starmer were united in marriage.  She preceded him in death on March 19, 2017.

Survivors include:

Two sons – Joe Underwood (Mark Weatherby) of Biloxi, Mississippi

Roddy Starmer of Altamont, Kansas

Four daughters – Melinda Garcia (Alex) of Webb City, Missouri

Carol Thomison of Coffeyville, Kansas

Kelli George (Shane) of Coffeyville, Kansas

Deanna Starr (Mike) of Edna, Kansas

17 grandchildren – Krystan Smith (Grady), Max Caldwell (Nichole), Karter Koehn, Emma Koehn, Zac George (Rodney Close), Ashley George (Jill), Miranda George, Janessa Jones, Kyla Underwood, Emily Flowers (Jake), Michael Garcia, Jeremy Garcia, Michael Starr (Sydnie), Matthew Starr, Mark Starr, Nathan Starmer, and Abbigail Starmer

13 great-grandchildren – Oliver Caldwell, Sawyer Caldwell, Archer Caldwell, Tanner George, Boston George, Kavery George, Meila George, Karmelo George, Jada Rivas, Laila Davis, Aleia Calabrese, Mason Starr, and Parker Starr

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mickie, and sister, Patsy Underwood.

There will be a graveside service with military honors at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Richland Cemetery in rural Angola.