William Ernest Underwood

William Ernest Underwood, 86, of Royalton, IL, passed away at 1:52 A.M., Friday, July 24, 2015 at the Herrin Hospital at Herrin.

William had been a construction worker. He was a fifty year member of the Local 773 Laborers Union. He loved hunting, fishing, and gardening. William loved his grandkids and his dog Shorty.

He was born June 12, 1929 at Hurst, IL, the son of Corneilius Henry and Elona M. (Bretch) Underwood.

He married LaDonna F. Dunning on May 13, 1948 at Elkville, IL and she preceded him in death on April 3, 2002.

He then married Lois (Vanetti) Leach on June 7, 2004 at Murphysboro, IL and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Royalton, three children - Carol Ritter and husband Ron of Du Quoin, Kathy Kirk of Carbondale, and William C. Underwood and wife Patricia L. of Elkville, one sister - Helen Perryman of Elkville, one brother - Herbert Underwood and wife Beverly of Royalton, six grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, six siblings - Nina Martin, Frieda Meier, Corneilius Henry Underwood, Jr., Wilma Havens, Charles Underwood in infancy and Wanda Underwood in infancy, and one great granddaughter - Kennedy Rose Pursell.

Private family graveside services will be held at a later date at the Elkville Cemetery at Elkville.

Burial will be in the Elkville Cemetery at Elkville.

Friends may make memorials to Herrin Hospital Emergency Room Department and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.