Donald Joe Underwood

Donald Joe Underwood passed away Monday, March 30, 2026, at Ascension Providence Hospital after a lingering illness. A celebration of Don’s life will be held Friday, April 10, 2026, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the service starts at 11:00 a.m.

Don was born January 30, 1948, in Waco, Texas to Frances and Loyde Underwood. His father died in an accident when Don was three years of age. Subsequently, he was raised by his doting mother, grandmother, and older sister, Sandra. He attended Provident Heights Elementary, North Junior High, and graduated from Waco High School where he became a life-long golfer. After graduating from Baylor University, Don began a 50-year career in the insurance industry. He worked at American-Amicable, Globe Life, and MyFEDBenefits.

Don married Wendy Wilkerson in 1985, and they welcomed their son, Matthew, in 1990. Matthew was the star in Don’s sky. In addition to loving golf, Don’s favorite place to be was the beach, and he loved being outside enjoying the sun. The only thing Don loved almost as much as his family was animals. Owning multiple dogs and cats filled him with joy. He especially enjoyed being “Dooner” to his grand-cats!

His parents preceded him in death as well as his beloved sister, Sandra.

Don is survived by his wife of 40 years, Wendy; son, Matthew, and his fiance, Tabitha O’Neal; brother-in-law, Larry Priest; nephew, Mike Priest; niece, Mandy Vieregg; great-nieces, Emily and Katie Vieregg; and several cousins. He will also be remembered by many co-workers and several close friends that were very dear to him.

Honorary pallbearers are Gary Aiello, Jordan Kelley, Tommy Morgan, Larry Priest, Mike Priest, Scott Swanson, and Mark Thrower.

As a final act of generosity, Don was a tissue, bone, and tendon donor. In lieu of flowers, we are requesting memorial donations to United Tissue Resources (United Tissue Resources, 4300 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78756 ATTN: Accounting) or the Animal Birth Control Clinic (ABC Clinic, 3238 Clay Ave., Waco, TX 76711 ATTN: Carrie Spivey, Ex. Director).

You are invited to leave a message or memory on Don’s Memorial Guestbook at www.WHBfamily.com