Olin Underwood

Hastings resident, Olin Lee Underwood, 89, passed away Friday, April 11, 2014 at College View Assisted Living and Memory Support, Hastings, Nebraska.

Services will be Tuesday, April 15, 2014; 10:30 A.M. at Butler Volland Chapel, Hastings with Pastor Josh Davis officiating. Burial with military rites by Hastings Veterans Organizations will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. Visitation will be Monday, April 14, 2014; 1:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. with family present 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. and one hour prior to service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Faith Lutheran Church.

Olin Lee Underwood was born to Emma (Green) & Merle Underwood on April 1, 1925 in Doniphan, Kansas. The family moved to Rockport, Missouri. He graduated May 6, 1943 from Rockport High School. He entered military service at Fort Leonard, Missouri on May 4, 1943; without waiting for commencement exercises. As a private first class, Olin served in the US Army, 321st Engineer Battalion Company B which was attached to the 96th Infantry Division, The "Deadeyes". As combat engineers his unit built roads, bridges and air strips. He served in the Pacific theater; Leyte, the Philippines and Okinawa. He was honorably discharged February 8, 1946. "It was tough over there", he said. Olin met Mary Laumann through his sister, Joy in Omaha. Their first date was October 3, 1946. They were married June 20, 1948 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Westboro, Missouri. They were married for 64 years. Their first home was made in Omaha. To this union two daughters were born, Mary Elaine and Cheryl Ann. After working for 11 years at Neal Tire in Omaha. The family relocated to Hastings and Olin became the manager of Big G Auto Center in 1967. Upon retirement Olin and Mary enjoyed traveling and time at their cabin at Harlan. Olin's love for his family was immeasurable. He enjoyed family events and spending time with his loved ones. He was a loyal Husker fan and enjoyed woodworking over the years, spending time with his army buddies and card club. Golf was a passion and he achieved the coveted 'hole-in- one' on the fourth hole at the Good Samaritan Village golf course. He volunteered for the"Dusty Boots" 4-H Club, Mary Lanning Healthcare, and Good Samaritan Village where he mowed the golf course. He was a member of the American Legion, V.F.W. Post #11, and Faith Lutheran Church where he was very active.

Olin was preceded in death by his parents, Merle & Emma Underwood; wife, Mary E. Underwood; sister & brother-in-law, Opal & Ross Janes, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chris & Mary (Steinhaus) Laumann; brothers-in-law, Jesse Pursell and Merlin Umland; and brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Dean & Peggy Laumann.

Those left to honor and cherish him:
Daughters & Sons-in-law:
Elaine (Pierce) & Brad Petersen
Cheryl & Les Lorhan
Grandchildren & Spouses:
Benjamin F. & Marcy Pierce
Phillip Lorhan & Fiancée Lesley Bravin
Nicki (Petersen) & Mike Showalter
Great-Grandchildren:
Maggie McKenzie
Addison Showalter
Connor Showalter
William Showalter
Sisters & Spouse:
Uldeen & Harry Lee Cooper
Joy Umland
Sister-in-law:
Martha Pursell
Nieces, Nephews & numerous friends