Gale D. Underwood, 80, of Villa Grove, IL, passed away on Thursday evening, July 25, 2024 at his home.

Gale was born on September 13, 1943 at Jarman Hospital in Tuscola IL. Gale was the son of Ernest L. and Irma C. Woods Underwood. He married Connie L. Allen on August 15, 1964 at the Newman United Methodist Church, Newman, IL.

Gale is survived by his wife Connie Allen Underwood, his daughters Tamara Underwood and Amanda (John) Davis, sisters: Joan Underwood and Jane Seider. Gale also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews by whom he was dearly loved and 3 great-grandchildren who adore him. When Uncle Gale was around, there was never a dull moment.

Gale was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Dale, brother Cleo, brother-in law Richard Seider, sister Patricia Fleming and her husband Dale.

Gale attended grade school in Murdock and then graduated from Newman High School in 1962. Gale and his brother Dale were both members of a highly regarded Newman High football team and were known to be a couple of players who were tough in the "trenches."

In the spring of 1963, Gale's family were caught in the path of a very large and violent tornado and Gale's twin brother was paralyzed in that terrible storm. Throughout the rest of Dale's life, Gale was always there to partner with Dale. Although Dale was independent and a very successful businessman, Gale was always supportive and a constant presence in Dale's life.

Gale was among the very first employees when Kraft Foods in Champaign was brought online in the 1960's and was a loyal and valuable employee for decades until his retirement in 1999.  Gale possessed the kind of personality that people describe as the kind who "never met a stranger," and he had friends across a very wide spectrum of people. Everyone in the Kraft plant knew Gale and knew of his love for a good joke and friendly conversation. That engaging personality was well known and enjoyed by friends and family throughout East Central Illinois.

Gale was "that guy" when you needed someone to lend a helping hand. He mowed others' yards when they were unable to do so, he looked after family members like a mother hen, and he was someone people would call on when they needed help or were overwhelmed. He was one of the first licensed EMT's in the State of Illinois and helped on the Villa Grove Ambulance Service for 18 years.

His sense of humor was legendary and when Gale was around there was always light hearted joking. He and Connie maintained a beautiful home, both interior and exterior, that was both inviting and welcoming. Gale was a devoted husband and father.

Gale also loved his church family and was particularly fond of some of that church family's youth, as they were of him.

Gale and Connie attend the Tuscola First Christian Church.

Gale's services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 30 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL with Rev. Tony Crouch officiating. Burial will be in the Murdock Cemetery, Murdock, Illinois.

The visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, July 29 at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Tuscola First Christian Church Building Fund, 100 East Church Street, Tuscola, IL 61953

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com