Keith Bernard Underwood

Keith B. Underwood, 68, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026, in Naples, Florida, just days before his 69th birthday. He was born on April 22, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Louise Underwood, his brother, Harold Underwood, and his sister, Lucy Underwood.

On May 7, 1977, Keith married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Mary Jo Rosebush. Together they built a life marked by deep commitment, love, faithfulness, and nearly 49 years of marriage.

Keith is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Jo Underwood; his children, Heather (Josh) Smith and Nick (Erin) Underwood; and his beloved grandchildren: Cadence, Elizabeth, and Andrew Smith, and Emily and Alison Underwood. He loved Josh and Erin as his own children from the moment they entered the scene—he never saw them as in-laws.

Keith worked as a filter representative for Carquest and Wix Filters for over 35 years, and he loved his job. He was known for his honesty, integrity, and most of all by the way he treated people—with respect, generosity, and kindness, whether he had known them for years or had just met them.

If you were lucky enough to know Keith, you knew that his family was his life and his greatest achievement. His wife and children were his greatest gifts, and his grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy and gave him an endless desire to make sure they knew their Papa.

Growing up, he never missed a game, an event, or anything that mattered—traveling across the country to make sure he was there no matter what. He made countless decisions throughout his life with his family in mind, often turning down opportunities and promotions that would take him away from what mattered most. To Keith, success was never about money—it was about the people he loved the most.

Keith had an incredible sense of humor, a deep love for science fiction, and all things chocolate. He deeply enjoyed traveling and visiting new places with his family, cheering on whatever sport his kids and grandkids were playing, and spending endless hours talking about the ups and downs of life. He especially loved Michigan State Spartans men's basketball—Go Green.

He lived with a deep and driving understanding that you can’t take anything with you when you go. Because of that, he spent his life building something far more lasting—a legacy of love, presence, and unwavering commitment to those closest to him.

Keith lived life to the fullest, with no regrets, and was still planning for the future right up until the moment he left this earth.

In recent years, he also found great joy in “his” dog, Boba, spending countless hours in the backyard playing fetch, simply being together, watching the grass grow, and dreaming up what project was going to be next.

Keith’s life was not defined by what he accumulated, but by how deeply he loved. And that legacy will live on in the family he built and the lives he impacted.

Dad, you were always there—for every game, every moment, every season of life—and your grandkids will always know how deeply their Papa loved them. We will spend the rest of our lives carrying forward the love you gave us so freely and remembering what’s most important.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Living Word Church, 2010 N. Stark Rd, Midland MI on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.