Kenneth Dean Underwood

Kenneth Dean Underwood of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away on October 2, 2021, at age 74. The first-born child of Dorothy and Grant Underwood of Iowa Falls, Iowa, Ken graduated from Lowden High School in Iowa, where he excelled in basketball, baseball, and ping-pong. Ken was also a loving older brother to siblings Vicki, Sonya, and Jeffrey.

Ken was a proud soldier of the U.S. Army, retiring in 1987. He was most proud of his service to our country in Vietnam, where he was a member of the Special Forces. His other overseas tour with the Army included South Korea. Recognized by his superiors and peers for his dedication in service, Ken was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, among other service medals and foreign decorations. Upon retirement from the Army, he worked for the United States government and retired from civil service in 2009. In retirement, Ken was inseparable from his many hats declaring his service in Vietnam.

The best part of his military service was his time in South Korea, as that was where he met his wife, Cheong. Theirs was a unique love story, and eventually they settled in the United States and bore two daughters, Sabrina and Maria. Ken’s love for his children knew no bounds, yet even his family was surprised by how much of a doting grandfather he was, first to his granddaughter Helen, followed by Miles and Caroline. Though he never quite found the words, it was apparent to everyone that being a loving grandfather was always his true calling.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Cheong; his daughters; his sister, Sonya; his brother, Jeffrey; son-in-law Jonathan, his grandson, Miles; his granddaughter, Caroline; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. at Demaine Funeral Home in Springfield, Virginia. Visitation will take place prior to the service, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to Pentecostal the Light Church, P.O. Box 151941, Alexandria, Virginia, 22315, where Ken was a founding member.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Underwood family may be shared at www.DemaineFuneralHomes.com.