A.L. Underwood, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, March 11, 2010, at Missouri Veterans Home.

He was born May 29, 1924, in Cairo, Ill., to Albert L. and Pearl Bevill Underwood. He and Lila Jean Sitzes were married Dec. 23, 1943, in Abilene, Texas. She preceded him in death Dec. 24, 2002.

He served in the U.S. Army from Nov. 9, 1943, to April 25, 1946.

He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Cape Girardeau. In 1942 he was co-captain of Central High School's undefeated and unscored-on football team. In 1954 he began as a salesman for Mid-South Steel. He became owner of that company in 1957 and retired in December 1987.

Survivors include two sons, Ron Underwood and wife Dana of Cape Girardeau, Albert "Sonny" Underwood and wife Cindy of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Cathy Matthews and husband Walter of Jackson; six grandchildren, Leigh Thorne, Lynn Goeckeler, Crissi Matthews, Julie Underwood, Andy Matthews, Jenna Matthews; and five great-grandchildren, Abbie, Grace, Morgan, Mason and Landon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a granddaughter and a grandson.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the chapel. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the Missouri Veterans Home.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.