William Latey Underwood

William Latey Underwood [Bill] was born in Omaha, Nebraska, September 14, 1934. He passed into the arms of Jesus on

February 17, 2024. He wed Barbara Louise Wicklund on February 9, 1957 at the China Lake Chapel and they shared 67 beautiful years of marriage. Their love and commitment to one another was evident to all who knew them.

After graduation from Sacramento State in 1956, Bill began his career at the Naval Ordnance Test Station [NOTS] China Lake which is now known as the Naval Air Warfare Center-Weapons Division [NAWCWD]. Over his nearly 37 year career, Bill worked various programs including Sidewinder and Long Range Gun Systems [LRGS], programs on the North and South Ranges. He was a Branch Head while at South Ranges and Division Head when working on the North Ranges. He served two years in Washington DC working in the office of Chief on Naval Operations. During his career, Bill received several commendations, letters of appreciation, and the Navy Meritorious Civilian Award. He retired in 1993.

After retirement, Bill and Barbara began to travel. They visited Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Antarctica, and many other countries. They also drove through and/or spent time in all 50 of our states, making friendships along the way. While RVing, Bill logged almost 300,000 miles.

Bill loved baseball, handball, fishing, backpacking, and camping. He also loved to teach his grandchildren how to fish and camp. For many years, the grandkids enjoyed 'Spring Break Camping' with Grandma and Grandpa. These trips took them to Red Rock Canyon, Zion, Yosemite, and Death Valley National Parks. Also Pismo Beach, baseball spring training camps [go Angels!], the Salton Sea, Lake Tahoe and man more locations. Bill stayed active late into his life, including his last multi-day backpacking trip at age 69 and many more beautiful hikes into his 80s. His last adventure was a Alaska Cruise at age 88. He passed a love of adventure onto the younger generations of his family.

Bill is survived by Barbara, their four children: Jeannie [Steve], Mark [Marsha], Diane [Kevin], and Lisa [Dan], ten grandchildren, five great grandsons, and his brother Jack.

Family holidays and important life events have always been full of oy and laughter, with Bill lovingly presiding over the whole group. Each and every family member can recount multiple stories of Bill's humor, kindness, patience and indomitable spirit. He will be greatly missed by his family, and they look forward with hope of reuniting with him in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bill's name to the China Lake Museum Foundation. Service is April 13, 2024, Desert Memorial Park, Ridgecrest, Ca at 11AM