Richard Underhill

Richard Armand Underhill, age 88, of Byron Center, was called to his heavenly home  on Tuesday, September 15, 2020.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Audrey, on August 23, 2020; his mother, Eva Trela; mother-in-law, Agnes Holtvluwer; father-in-law, Lloyd Dupont; in-laws: Evelyn Jaech, Dorothy (Howard) Zoet, Kathy Dupont, Gail Brougham, baby Denny DuPont, and daughter-in-law, Susanne Underhill.  He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Leonard (Susan) Underhill, Thomas (Debra) Underhill, Roderick (Kristine) Underhill, Richard (Terri) Underhill, Mary (James) Opaski, Nancy (Jeff) VanHoeven, Matthew (Mary Beth) Underhill, Elizabeth (Michael) Hay, John (Molly) Underhill; 42 grandchildren and near 80 great grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law: Lloyd Dupont, Ron (Franny) Dupont, Larry (Crystal) Dupont, Dwight (Monica) Dupont, Terry (Dee) Dupont. Richard was a kind, loving, devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He valiantly served his country during the Korean War in the US Marine Corps. He worked for 27 years as a foreman in the Material Control Dept. at the Grand Rapids Metal Stamping Plant on 36th St.  Richard loved playing golf with his Byron Boys at the Pines Golf Course. He was an avid fisherman and took many fishing trips with his boys to Lake Erie and Canada.  He never missed a grandson’s football game.  He truly enjoyed time with his family, whether it was a beer with his sons or a dinner with the whole family.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 4101 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Wyoming, with Fr. John Vallier presiding. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday from 6-8 pm, with a Rosary at 7:30 pm, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, as well as one hour prior to Mass at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Railside Assisted Living or Emmanuel Hospice.