Homer Martin "H. M." Underwood

Homer Martin “H.M.” Underwood, 79, longtime resident of Muskogee, entered Heaven’s gates Friday morning, March 11, 2016. He was born June 25, 1936 in Rogers, TX to Homer Mabry and Annie Marie (Dukatnik) Underwood. He grew up and attended the public schools in Dallas, TX; graduating from Sunset High School with the Class of 1954. Furthering his education, he attended and later graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in electrical engineering. He also served his country in the Army Reserves as an MP. H.M. was saved and baptized at the First Baptist Church of Oak Cliff in Dallas as a child and faithfully served the Lord and his church wherever he and his family were living. On August 22, 1958, H.M. married the love of his life, Jerry Lynn Payton, at Hampton Place Baptist Church in Dallas. They have shared over 57 years of happy life and marriage together. H.M. and Jerry are active members of Southeast Baptist Church in Muskogee, where he has served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher for several years. H.M.’s professional career was with Prescon Corporation, 4 years in Texas and 8 years in California, before moving to Muskogee in 1978. He was then employed with Muskogee Iron Works for 4 years before working at OG&E. His career with OG&E spanned over 12 years when he retired in 1994 as Superintendent of Engineering and Technical Services. His family remembers how much H.M. enjoyed reading, studying Bible prophecy, golfing, and working crossword puzzles. They recall how he did the crossword puzzles in ink because he was generally right the first time. Traveling was another hobby he and Jerry enjoyed and always regarded their trip to Israel in 2000 as “one of the highlights of his life.” The family will receive friends at Cornerstone Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. Per H.M.’s personal request, the casket will remain closed. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials be made to Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, 3800 N. May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Annie Underwood; and his sister, Nancy Meyers. H.M. is survived by his wife, Jerry of the home; daughters, Karen Smart and husband David of Ardmore, OK, Kim Steadman and husband Tim of Muskogee, OK; brother, Joe Underwood and wife Roxanne of Dallas, TX; grandsons, Joshua Smart of Kansas City, MO, Philip Smart of Dallas, TX, Stephen Smart of Norman, OK, Chad Steadman and Hayden Steadman of Muskogee, OK; other family members and friends who will miss him dearly. A celebration of H.M.’s life will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at Southeast Baptist Church, 2511 East Hancock, Muskogee, OK with his son-in-law, David Smart, officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be 3 of his grandsons, Joshua Smart, Philip Smart and Stephen Smart, and Kenny Jackson, Don Harnage and Brent Scott. Honorary pallbearers are the Deacons of Southeast Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Greenhill Cemetery.

Homer Martin "H. M." Underwood

June 25, 1936 - March 11, 2016