Published: April 06, 2008 02:11 am            

Robert Lee Underside

Robert Lee Underside, 80, of Oklahoma City, formerly of Perry, was the son of Roy C. and Hazel O. (Dent) Underside.

He was born July 20, 1927 in Perry and died Friday, April 4, 2008 at the Baptist Village of OKC Nursing Center in Oklahoma City.

Robert was a graduate of Perry High School. He was a World War II veteran who served his country in the U.S. Naval Reserves from June 15, 1945 until April 25, 1946.

Robert served at NTC, San Diego and aboard the USS Saratoga. He was awarded the Victory Medal and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and achieved the rank of Bugler First Class before he was honorably discharged from military service.

Robert received his bachelor’s of arts degree in music education from Phillips University and his master’s of arts degree in guidance and counseling from Central State University. He and Edwina McGee were married Oct. 23, 1944 and divorced in 1971.

A former band director and teacher, Robert retired in 1992 from Bridgestone (formerly Dayton Tire). He enjoyed his family, music, fishing and bowling and his interests included home upkeep and repair.

Robert was a member of the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, NEA, OMEA and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, served on various church boards, was treasurer for the Lincoln Terrace Neighborhood Association, and was a choir director at Yukon Christian Church and Anadarko Christian Church.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the Grace Hill Memorial Pavilion in Grace Hill Cemetery in Perry. Rev. Martin Foster will officiate. Services are under the direction of Brown-Dugger Funeral Home of Perry.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice in care of Brown-Dugger Funeral Home, 1010 N. Seventh Street, Perry, 73077.

Robert is survived by two sons, Dennis Lee Underside of The Colony, Texas, and Roger Wayne Underside of Ragley, La.; one daughter, Linda Lee Underside Cothran of Canyon Lake, Texas; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Dennis LeRoy Underside.

        

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