Ted Alan Underwood

Ted Alan Underwood, 75, of Plainfield, passed away December 26, 2023.  He was born August 27, 1948  to the late Karol and Lois (Harrison) Underwood in Urbana, IL.  This December we said goodbye to Ted Alan Underwood, if you knew him he touched your heart.  He was a beloved Brother, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin, and a friend.  He was devoted to volunteering with PUMC and Family Promise.  He worked to provide resources for those people in the Plainfield community that had fallen on tough times.  He was an active member of the church's “prayer list”, and was passionate about the sick and healing even in his final days by making phone calls to those on the prayer list to check in on their progress. His involvement within his church community shows his deep desire to make a difference in this world.   He was a dedicated employee with US Airways, British Airways, LinkBelt, and TSA were just a few of the businesses that were blessed with his positive outlook on life.  His work ethic continued when he moved to Cumberland Trace and became the self- appointed mail man.  He could not have been more appreciative to all the staff at Cumberland Trace.  Their kindness and generosity quickly made them family.    In his retirement, Ted enjoyed model trains and had a whole room in his home devoted to them. He built all the scenery for the tracks . He really enjoyed traveling with his wife Mary K. Some of their favorite trips  were to Amsterdam and the Hot Air Balloon event in New Mexico. Later he and MK became avid RV campers and made many trips all over the country visiting many state parks with their 3 adored dogs. Ted was an enthusiastic gardener and was proud of his composting skills. He collected an impressive wine collection, and was self taught on the subject of all things wine. Ted spent time reading, researching politics, stocks, and education in order to learn and debate with family.   His sister and daughter enjoyed many conversations on how to change the world through the education system.  His greatest joys came from his time with his sister, daughter, granddaughter, 2 nieces, his church family and of course deep discussions with his brother-in-law about the family’s beloved Boilermakers!!  His memory will forever be etched in our hearts.  His song and spirit will live on through the laughter and love he brought to all our lives. Let us honor him by carrying forward his perseverance, humor, and kindness, embracing every moment with the same positivity and to “just be kind”, he so effortlessly demonstrated.  Ted is survived by his son, Cory Underwood; a daughter, Krista Petrilli; a sister, Tara Lynn (Larry) Flint; and a granddaughter, Jordan Ann Underwood-Kuhns.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Kay Underwood; a step-son, John Esquerdo; and a son-in-law, Matt Petrilli.  A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Plainfield United Methodist Church, 600 Simmons St., where friends may call on Saturday from 11:00 am until service time at 1:00 pm.  The urn will be placed in the Columbarium at PUMC.  In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to PUMC, Family Promise, or Hendricks County Humane Society.  Arrangements by Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield.