Dennis Underwood

Dennis Dean Underwood, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, at his home.

He was born Aug. 21, 1938, in Stoddard County, Missouri, to John M. and Frances Gillespie Underwood. He and Barbara Cossairt were married Feb. 9, 1957, in Bloomfield, Missouri.

Dennis loved his profession, selling vehicles. He lived by the Golden Rule and treated his customers accordingly. He worked at Groves Motor Co. for 62 years. From 1972 to 1986, he was part owner, with Ed Massey and Cliff Irwin. As a Ford 500 Club member, he was awarded honors and earned three trips through Ford Motor Co. He loved to travel and had been abroad several times with his wife, Barbara.

He was active in Cape Girardeau Jaycees from 1963 to 1974, was president of the local club and a state vice president, and was awarded a Jaycee International Scholarship.

Dennis was an active member of Abbey Road Christian Church, having served as deacon, life elder, church board chairman, stewardship chairman and trustee.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Barbara Underwood of Cape Girardeau; three sons, Timothy (Marcia) Underwood of Sikeston, Missouri, Joel Underwood of Springfield, Missouri, and Terence (Rachel) Underwood of Cape Girardeau; daughter-in-law, Julia Underwood Burton; brother, Brian Underwood (Carol Hunt) of St. Louis; sister, Alice (Burt) Cofman of Leominster, Massachusetts; four grandchildren, Caitlin (John) Hoskins of St. Louis, Tyler Underwood (Katie Baroway) of Lakewood, Colorado, Evan (Aly) Underwood of Laurie, Missouri, and Connor Underwood of Springfield, Illinois; three great-grandchildren, Hattie Hoskins, Dawson Underwood and Jesse Underwood; and nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark Underwood; three brothers, Jack, Jim and Doyle Underwood; and a sister, Nelda Simpson.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will follow at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Rodger Kiepe officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Abbey Road Christian Church, 2411 Abbey Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 28566, St. Louis, MO 63146.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.