Louie Luther "Pete" Underwood 89, of Scott City, MO passed away Friday January 18, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. at the home of his son. He was born May 15, 1923 in Fornfelt, MO to Lula and Luther Underwood. Rest in Peace Louie "Pete" Underwood. Thank you for your service! Underwood, Louie Luther Seaman, Second Class, Serial No. 337 61 09, US Navy. He enlisted in the US Navy on May 27, 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri and completed his basic training at the Naval Training Station in San Diego, California. He reported for duty on the USS Utah on July 29, 1941. Louie was serving on board the USS Utah on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He was in the living compartment when the attack began. An officer came through and told them to "Stay below, the Japs are bombing us!" They remained there for a short while until the ship began to shift over. Louie ran topside, made for the high side of the ship and slid down and into the water. He swam ashore about 50 yards and got into a pipeline ditch. From there he watched as the attack continued. After the attack Louie was assigned to the USS Detroit (CL-8), performing convoy escort duty from the mainland to the Pearl. After that, he saw action during the New Guinea and Philippine landing campaigns in the Amphibious forces. Louie retired from the Navy in July 1961 having achieved a Gunner's Mate First Class rank. He also retired from Todd Uniform Company of Cape Girardeau. After his retirements, Pete could always be found sitting around a campfire, in the deer woods, or just being with friends and family. Survivors include a son, Rusty (Jeannie) Underwood, a daughter Teresa Miller of Scott City, a sister Cornetta Welker of Columbia, Mo. Grandchildren include Robert Underwood of Belleville, IL, Davy Underwood of St Louis, Missy Miller of Cape Girardeau, Carrie Hart, John Miller, Bobby (Bekky) Underwood, Matt (Julie) Underwood and Chris Speakman all of Scott City, Darrin Underwood of Millersville, and Jacob Underwood of Scott City, 17 Great-Grandchildren and his beloved dog Gracie. He was preceded in death by a son, Don Underwood, his special friend Sue Pettit, 1 brother and 2 sisters. The celebration of Pete's life will be held at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City, Mo. Visitation will be Monday from 5 - 8 p.m. Rev. Chad Bless will conduct services Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral chapel. Interment with full military honors will follow in Lightner Memorial Cemetery in Scott City.
