1921 ~ 2012
On July 21, 2012 shortly after the dawn broke over the majestic Wasatch Mountains, Ernal Cless Underwood joined his lovely wife, mother and father, brothers and sisters, daughter, and other ancestors as he stepped from this mortal existence into his eternal calling. Throughout his mortal life he viewed life as a series of callings each with its own challenges and rewards. Not one for seeking recognition for his accomplishment, he was content in knowing that he had served his calling to the very best of his ability. An occasional handshake and a sincere thank you for a job well done was all the recognition he expected out of life.
Ernal was born August 18, 1921 at the family home (a box car) in Thistle, Utah. He was the youngest of the 11 children born to William Underwood and Almira Sophronia Hanks Underwood. Ernal grew up and played in Thistle with his family. There was not a mountain around Thistle that he had not climbed. All the children were very close and they participated in many activities as a family. He attended elementary school in the old Thistle school. He attended Spanish Fork High School where he graduated. He was active in many school activities but was limited because he rode a bus to Thistle.
Ernal was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 1, 1929. He was active in Primary and Mutual. While in mutual he accepted the lead role in three plays, however, as he grew older many of the mutual age youth moved away from Thistle and there were not enough youth to continue producing the plays.
In the spring of 1940 he and his brother were in Springville following a basketball game. They stopped to talk with some young ladies that were sitting outside on the lawn. Although the girls would not accept a ride in the car, they did accept their company as they accompanied them to their home. While at the door, Ernal asked one of the young ladies, named Elthora for a date. She said yes and the rest as they say is history. On August 26, 1941 Ernal married Elthora Moulton in Paris (Idaho). They later had their marriage solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on June 19, 1964. At that time they had three of their children sealed to them. The fourth child was serving a church mission and was sealed to them in the Los Angeles Temple in June of 1965. Ernal and Elthora had four children: Roger C. Underwood from Seattle, WA; Helen Loraine Underwood Knorr (deceased); William D. Underwood, Bluffdale, Utah, and Jeanette Underwood Munn, Salem, Utah.
During the 1940's it became increasingly evident that the United States would be drawn into the war effort in Europe. The country was seriously increasing the draft effort to fill the expanding military requirements. Not one for wanting to find himself in a foxhole and after some discussion with this family, Ernal made the decision to join the Navy. On January 6, 1941 he was sworn in as a Navy recruit. He completed his basic training and was assigned to the light cruiser USS Helena. He was aboard ship on December 7, 1941 during the attack on Pearl Harbor. During the Pacific campaign his ship earned a reputation from the enemy forces as a secret weapon. They were precise, fast and deadly in their assault on the enemy forces. However, the ship was sunk in 1943 during a campaign in Kula Gulf. Throughout most of his life he would not talk about the war years, however as the grand kids got older they asked him about what he did in the war. As time went on, Ernal acquired a passion for talking with people about the war. He was often invited to high school and college classes to relate his experiences during the war. One of his greatest fears was that as time passed people would forget the lessons learned from the war effort.
Following the war effort Ernal worked for a while with the Navy Department in Long Beach. When that assignment was over, he moved his family to Spanish Fork, Utah where he accepted a position with the Utah State Department of Fish and Game. He worked for the Department of Fish and Game for 37 years with various assignments. During his last assignment at the hatchery in Springville, he purchased some land in Salem. Over the succeeding years he and his wife with some help from friends and relatives, he built his dream home. He retired in 1982 and moved his lovely wife to their new home where they both lived until they were called to their eternal home.
Ernal and his wife enjoyed traveling. The only state that they were not able to visit was Alaska. Very often they would just pack up the camper or trailer and head to the mountains to spend a few days. They also included trips to visit with their children and grandchildren.
Ernal served in many different callings for the church including as a worker in the Provo Temple. Perhaps his greatest calling in the church was to serve a temple mission in New Zealand. After a few months he was called to be a sealer. He acquired a great admiration and love for the people of New Zealand. Once he returned he would often relate some of his experiences while in New Zealand and the New Zealand Temple.
Ernal is preceded in death by his parents, William Underwood and Almira Sophronia Hanks, a daughter, Helen Loraine Underwood Knorr and his brothers and sisters and their spouses, Edna Almira Underwood Jones, William Lorrain Underwood, Lela Underwood, Beatrice Ireta Underwood Good, Maggie May Underwood Herbert, Della Janet Underwood Peterson, Clarence Hanks Underwood, Lester David Underwood, James Underwood, and Joseph Underwood. Ernal is survived by his sons Roger C. Underwood (Kathleen) from Seattle, Washington, William D. Underwood (Wendy) Bluffdale, Utah, and Jeanette Underwood Munn (Mark) Springville, sister-in-law Esther Lynne Hansen Underwood (Clarence).
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 28, 2012 at the Salem First Ward, 60 South Main at 11:00 a.m. Guests may pay their respect beginning at 9:45 a.m. and ending at 10:45 a.m. Family and friends may call at Walker Mortuary in Spanish Fork (187 S. Main) between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 27, 2012. We would like to thank the employees of Bell Aire Assisted Living in American Fork and Utah Hospice Specialists for their hard work and dedication in the care of our father in the last few months of his life.
Condolences may be sent to the family at:
www.walkerfamilymortuary.com
(This is Ernal's Obituary Published July 27, 2012 in the Deseret News and The Provo Daily Herald. Beautifully written by his son Roger Underwood)
On July 21, 2012 shortly after the dawn broke over the majestic Wasatch Mountains, Ernal Cless Underwood joined his lovely wife, mother and father, brothers and sisters, daughter, and other ancestors as he stepped from this mortal existence into his eternal calling. Throughout his mortal life he viewed life as a series of callings each with its own challenges and rewards. Not one for seeking recognition for his accomplishment, he was content in knowing that he had served his calling to the very best of his ability. An occasional handshake and a sincere thank you for a job well done was all the recognition he expected out of life.
Ernal was born August 18, 1921 at the family home (a box car) in Thistle, Utah. He was the youngest of the 11 children born to William Underwood and Almira Sophronia Hanks Underwood. Ernal grew up and played in Thistle with his family. There was not a mountain around Thistle that he had not climbed. All the children were very close and they participated in many activities as a family. He attended elementary school in the old Thistle school. He attended Spanish Fork High School where he graduated. He was active in many school activities but was limited because he rode a bus to Thistle.
Ernal was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 1, 1929. He was active in Primary and Mutual. While in mutual he accepted the lead role in three plays, however, as he grew older many of the mutual age youth moved away from Thistle and there were not enough youth to continue producing the plays.
In the spring of 1940 he and his brother were in Springville following a basketball game. They stopped to talk with some young ladies that were sitting outside on the lawn. Although the girls would not accept a ride in the car, they did accept their company as they accompanied them to their home. While at the door, Ernal asked one of the young ladies, named Elthora for a date. She said yes and the rest as they say is history. On August 26, 1941 Ernal married Elthora Moulton in Paris (Idaho). They later had their marriage solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on June 19, 1964. At that time they had three of their children sealed to them. The fourth child was serving a church mission and was sealed to them in the Los Angeles Temple in June of 1965. Ernal and Elthora had four children: Roger C. Underwood from Seattle, WA; Helen Loraine Underwood Knorr (deceased); William D. Underwood, Bluffdale, Utah, and Jeanette Underwood Munn, Salem, Utah.
During the 1940's it became increasingly evident that the United States would be drawn into the war effort in Europe. The country was seriously increasing the draft effort to fill the expanding military requirements. Not one for wanting to find himself in a foxhole and after some discussion with this family, Ernal made the decision to join the Navy. On January 6, 1941 he was sworn in as a Navy recruit. He completed his basic training and was assigned to the light cruiser USS Helena. He was aboard ship on December 7, 1941 during the attack on Pearl Harbor. During the Pacific campaign his ship earned a reputation from the enemy forces as a secret weapon. They were precise, fast and deadly in their assault on the enemy forces. However, the ship was sunk in 1943 during a campaign in Kula Gulf. Throughout most of his life he would not talk about the war years, however as the grand kids got older they asked him about what he did in the war. As time went on, Ernal acquired a passion for talking with people about the war. He was often invited to high school and college classes to relate his experiences during the war. One of his greatest fears was that as time passed people would forget the lessons learned from the war effort.
Following the war effort Ernal worked for a while with the Navy Department in Long Beach. When that assignment was over, he moved his family to Spanish Fork, Utah where he accepted a position with the Utah State Department of Fish and Game. He worked for the Department of Fish and Game for 37 years with various assignments. During his last assignment at the hatchery in Springville, he purchased some land in Salem. Over the succeeding years he and his wife with some help from friends and relatives, he built his dream home. He retired in 1982 and moved his lovely wife to their new home where they both lived until they were called to their eternal home.
Ernal and his wife enjoyed traveling. The only state that they were not able to visit was Alaska. Very often they would just pack up the camper or trailer and head to the mountains to spend a few days. They also included trips to visit with their children and grandchildren.
Ernal served in many different callings for the church including as a worker in the Provo Temple. Perhaps his greatest calling in the church was to serve a temple mission in New Zealand. After a few months he was called to be a sealer. He acquired a great admiration and love for the people of New Zealand. Once he returned he would often relate some of his experiences while in New Zealand and the New Zealand Temple.
Ernal is preceded in death by his parents, William Underwood and Almira Sophronia Hanks, a daughter, Helen Loraine Underwood Knorr and his brothers and sisters and their spouses, Edna Almira Underwood Jones, William Lorrain Underwood, Lela Underwood, Beatrice Ireta Underwood Good, Maggie May Underwood Herbert, Della Janet Underwood Peterson, Clarence Hanks Underwood, Lester David Underwood, James Underwood, and Joseph Underwood. Ernal is survived by his sons Roger C. Underwood (Kathleen) from Seattle, Washington, William D. Underwood (Wendy) Bluffdale, Utah, and Jeanette Underwood Munn (Mark) Springville, sister-in-law Esther Lynne Hansen Underwood (Clarence).
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 28, 2012 at the Salem First Ward, 60 South Main at 11:00 a.m. Guests may pay their respect beginning at 9:45 a.m. and ending at 10:45 a.m. Family and friends may call at Walker Mortuary in Spanish Fork (187 S. Main) between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 27, 2012. We would like to thank the employees of Bell Aire Assisted Living in American Fork and Utah Hospice Specialists for their hard work and dedication in the care of our father in the last few months of his life.
Condolences may be sent to the family at:
www.walkerfamilymortuary.com
(This is Ernal's Obituary Published July 27, 2012 in the Deseret News and The Provo Daily Herald. Beautifully written by his son Roger Underwood)
1921 ~ 2012
On July 21, 2012 shortly after the dawn broke over the majestic Wasatch Mountains, Ernal Cless Underwood joined his lovely wife, mother and father, brothers and sisters, daughter, and other ancestors as he stepped from this mortal existence into his eternal calling. Throughout his mortal life he viewed life as a series of callings each with its own challenges and rewards. Not one for seeking recognition for his accomplishment, he was content in knowing that he had served his calling to the very best of his ability. An occasional handshake and a sincere thank you for a job well done was all the recognition he expected out of life.
Ernal was born August 18, 1921 at the family home (a box car) in Thistle, Utah. He was the youngest of the 11 children born to William Underwood and Almira Sophronia Hanks Underwood. Ernal grew up and played in Thistle with his family. There was not a mountain around Thistle that he had not climbed. All the children were very close and they participated in many activities as a family. He attended elementary school in the old Thistle school. He attended Spanish Fork High School where he graduated. He was active in many school activities but was limited because he rode a bus to Thistle.
Ernal was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 1, 1929. He was active in Primary and Mutual. While in mutual he accepted the lead role in three plays, however, as he grew older many of the mutual age youth moved away from Thistle and there were not enough youth to continue producing the plays.
In the spring of 1940 he and his brother were in Springville following a basketball game. They stopped to talk with some young ladies that were sitting outside on the lawn. Although the girls would not accept a ride in the car, they did accept their company as they accompanied them to their home. While at the door, Ernal asked one of the young ladies, named Elthora for a date. She said yes and the rest as they say is history. On August 26, 1941 Ernal married Elthora Moulton in Paris (Idaho). They later had their marriage solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on June 19, 1964. At that time they had three of their children sealed to them. The fourth child was serving a church mission and was sealed to them in the Los Angeles Temple in June of 1965. Ernal and Elthora had four children: Roger C. Underwood from Seattle, WA; Helen Loraine Underwood Knorr (deceased); William D. Underwood, Bluffdale, Utah, and Jeanette Underwood Munn, Salem, Utah.
During the 1940's it became increasingly evident that the United States would be drawn into the war effort in Europe. The country was seriously increasing the draft effort to fill the expanding military requirements. Not one for wanting to find himself in a foxhole and after some discussion with this family, Ernal made the decision to join the Navy. On January 6, 1941 he was sworn in as a Navy recruit. He completed his basic training and was assigned to the light cruiser USS Helena. He was aboard ship on December 7, 1941 during the attack on Pearl Harbor. During the Pacific campaign his ship earned a reputation from the enemy forces as a secret weapon. They were precise, fast and deadly in their assault on the enemy forces. However, the ship was sunk in 1943 during a campaign in Kula Gulf. Throughout most of his life he would not talk about the war years, however as the grand kids got older they asked him about what he did in the war. As time went on, Ernal acquired a passion for talking with people about the war. He was often invited to high school and college classes to relate his experiences during the war. One of his greatest fears was that as time passed people would forget the lessons learned from the war effort.
Following the war effort Ernal worked for a while with the Navy Department in Long Beach. When that assignment was over, he moved his family to Spanish Fork, Utah where he accepted a position with the Utah State Department of Fish and Game. He worked for the Department of Fish and Game for 37 years with various assignments. During his last assignment at the hatchery in Springville, he purchased some land in Salem. Over the succeeding years he and his wife with some help from friends and relatives, he built his dream home. He retired in 1982 and moved his lovely wife to their new home where they both lived until they were called to their eternal home.
Ernal and his wife enjoyed traveling. The only state that they were not able to visit was Alaska. Very often they would just pack up the camper or trailer and head to the mountains to spend a few days. They also included trips to visit with their children and grandchildren.
Ernal served in many different callings for the church including as a worker in the Provo Temple. Perhaps his greatest calling in the church was to serve a temple mission in New Zealand. After a few months he was called to be a sealer. He acquired a great admiration and love for the people of New Zealand. Once he returned he would often relate some of his experiences while in New Zealand and the New Zealand Temple.
Ernal is preceded in death by his parents, William Underwood and Almira Sophronia Hanks, a daughter, Helen Loraine Underwood Knorr and his brothers and sisters and their spouses, Edna Almira Underwood Jones, William Lorrain Underwood, Lela Underwood, Beatrice Ireta Underwood Good, Maggie May Underwood Herbert, Della Janet Underwood Peterson, Clarence Hanks Underwood, Lester David Underwood, James Underwood, and Joseph Underwood. Ernal is survived by his sons Roger C. Underwood (Kathleen) from Seattle, Washington, William D. Underwood (Wendy) Bluffdale, Utah, and Jeanette Underwood Munn (Mark) Springville, sister-in-law Esther Lynne Hansen Underwood (Clarence).
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 28, 2012 at the Salem First Ward, 60 South Main at 11:00 a.m. Guests may pay their respect beginning at 9:45 a.m. and ending at 10:45 a.m. Family and friends may call at Walker Mortuary in Spanish Fork (187 S. Main) between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 27, 2012. We would like to thank the employees of Bell Aire Assisted Living in American Fork and Utah Hospice Specialists for their hard work and dedication in the care of our father in the last few months of his life.
Condolences may be sent to the family at:
www.walkerfamilymortuary.com
(This is Ernal's Obituary Published July 27, 2012 in the Deseret News and The Provo Daily Herald. Beautifully written by his son Roger Underwood)
On July 21, 2012 shortly after the dawn broke over the majestic Wasatch Mountains, Ernal Cless Underwood joined his lovely wife, mother and father, brothers and sisters, daughter, and other ancestors as he stepped from this mortal existence into his eternal calling. Throughout his mortal life he viewed life as a series of callings each with its own challenges and rewards. Not one for seeking recognition for his accomplishment, he was content in knowing that he had served his calling to the very best of his ability. An occasional handshake and a sincere thank you for a job well done was all the recognition he expected out of life.
Ernal was born August 18, 1921 at the family home (a box car) in Thistle, Utah. He was the youngest of the 11 children born to William Underwood and Almira Sophronia Hanks Underwood. Ernal grew up and played in Thistle with his family. There was not a mountain around Thistle that he had not climbed. All the children were very close and they participated in many activities as a family. He attended elementary school in the old Thistle school. He attended Spanish Fork High School where he graduated. He was active in many school activities but was limited because he rode a bus to Thistle.
Ernal was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 1, 1929. He was active in Primary and Mutual. While in mutual he accepted the lead role in three plays, however, as he grew older many of the mutual age youth moved away from Thistle and there were not enough youth to continue producing the plays.
In the spring of 1940 he and his brother were in Springville following a basketball game. They stopped to talk with some young ladies that were sitting outside on the lawn. Although the girls would not accept a ride in the car, they did accept their company as they accompanied them to their home. While at the door, Ernal asked one of the young ladies, named Elthora for a date. She said yes and the rest as they say is history. On August 26, 1941 Ernal married Elthora Moulton in Paris (Idaho). They later had their marriage solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on June 19, 1964. At that time they had three of their children sealed to them. The fourth child was serving a church mission and was sealed to them in the Los Angeles Temple in June of 1965. Ernal and Elthora had four children: Roger C. Underwood from Seattle, WA; Helen Loraine Underwood Knorr (deceased); William D. Underwood, Bluffdale, Utah, and Jeanette Underwood Munn, Salem, Utah.
During the 1940's it became increasingly evident that the United States would be drawn into the war effort in Europe. The country was seriously increasing the draft effort to fill the expanding military requirements. Not one for wanting to find himself in a foxhole and after some discussion with this family, Ernal made the decision to join the Navy. On January 6, 1941 he was sworn in as a Navy recruit. He completed his basic training and was assigned to the light cruiser USS Helena. He was aboard ship on December 7, 1941 during the attack on Pearl Harbor. During the Pacific campaign his ship earned a reputation from the enemy forces as a secret weapon. They were precise, fast and deadly in their assault on the enemy forces. However, the ship was sunk in 1943 during a campaign in Kula Gulf. Throughout most of his life he would not talk about the war years, however as the grand kids got older they asked him about what he did in the war. As time went on, Ernal acquired a passion for talking with people about the war. He was often invited to high school and college classes to relate his experiences during the war. One of his greatest fears was that as time passed people would forget the lessons learned from the war effort.
Following the war effort Ernal worked for a while with the Navy Department in Long Beach. When that assignment was over, he moved his family to Spanish Fork, Utah where he accepted a position with the Utah State Department of Fish and Game. He worked for the Department of Fish and Game for 37 years with various assignments. During his last assignment at the hatchery in Springville, he purchased some land in Salem. Over the succeeding years he and his wife with some help from friends and relatives, he built his dream home. He retired in 1982 and moved his lovely wife to their new home where they both lived until they were called to their eternal home.
Ernal and his wife enjoyed traveling. The only state that they were not able to visit was Alaska. Very often they would just pack up the camper or trailer and head to the mountains to spend a few days. They also included trips to visit with their children and grandchildren.
Ernal served in many different callings for the church including as a worker in the Provo Temple. Perhaps his greatest calling in the church was to serve a temple mission in New Zealand. After a few months he was called to be a sealer. He acquired a great admiration and love for the people of New Zealand. Once he returned he would often relate some of his experiences while in New Zealand and the New Zealand Temple.
Ernal is preceded in death by his parents, William Underwood and Almira Sophronia Hanks, a daughter, Helen Loraine Underwood Knorr and his brothers and sisters and their spouses, Edna Almira Underwood Jones, William Lorrain Underwood, Lela Underwood, Beatrice Ireta Underwood Good, Maggie May Underwood Herbert, Della Janet Underwood Peterson, Clarence Hanks Underwood, Lester David Underwood, James Underwood, and Joseph Underwood. Ernal is survived by his sons Roger C. Underwood (Kathleen) from Seattle, Washington, William D. Underwood (Wendy) Bluffdale, Utah, and Jeanette Underwood Munn (Mark) Springville, sister-in-law Esther Lynne Hansen Underwood (Clarence).
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 28, 2012 at the Salem First Ward, 60 South Main at 11:00 a.m. Guests may pay their respect beginning at 9:45 a.m. and ending at 10:45 a.m. Family and friends may call at Walker Mortuary in Spanish Fork (187 S. Main) between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 27, 2012. We would like to thank the employees of Bell Aire Assisted Living in American Fork and Utah Hospice Specialists for their hard work and dedication in the care of our father in the last few months of his life.
Condolences may be sent to the family at:
www.walkerfamilymortuary.com
(This is Ernal's Obituary Published July 27, 2012 in the Deseret News and The Provo Daily Herald. Beautifully written by his son Roger Underwood)
Family Members
Siblings
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Edna Almira Underwood Jones
1907–1999
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William Lorrain Underwood
1908–1919
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Beatrice Ireta Underwood Good
1911–1973
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Lela Underwood
1912–1912
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Maggie May Underwood Herbert
1913–2000
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Della Janette Underwood Peterson
1915–2006
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Clarence Hanks Underwood
1916–2004
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Lester David Underwood
1918–2000
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James Underwood
1919–1919
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Joseph Underwood
1919–1919
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