TRAVERSE CITY – Kenneth Gene Underwood, Sr., 88, of Traverse City passed away on Friday, September 2, 2016 at the Grand Traverses Pavilions. He was born on July 31, 1928 to the late Horace and Ello (Tiger) Underwood. He married the love of his life, Maxine Burnett on July 11, 1949 in Arkansas. Ken has lived in the area since 1973, moving from Oklahoma. He honorably served his country in the United States Naval Reserve. He was employed as a store manager in the oil field business. Ken attended The Journey Wesleyan Church. He was a member of Masonic Lodge. Ken enjoyed sports (especially football) and country western music. Above all spending time with his family was his greatest joy.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Maxine, a daughter and a son; Deborah Underwood and Kenneth (Jan) Underwood, Jr., four grandchildren; Kellye (Adam) Mead, Kara Underwood, Lyndsay (Peter) Janzen, Leah (Chad) Barth. Also surviving are great-grandchildren; McKenna Mead, Hunter Mead, Jonathon Barth, Charlotte Barth, Elise Barth and Franklin Janzen as well as three sisters; Eloise, Mary and Kathy.

Ken was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters, Leroy, Christine, Ruby and James.

Friends are welcome to visit with Ken's family on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverses City, Michigan, 49684.

A funeral service honoring Kenneth will take at 11:00 a.m., with visiting one hour prior, on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at The Journey - a Wesleyan Church, 2825 W. South Airport Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684. Pastor Chris Hinterman will officiate.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Cherryland Humane Society.

Please feel free to share you thoughts and memories with Ken's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.