January 31, 1946- August 17th, 2024

Leslie (Butch) Epitacio Underwood 78, of Camp Verde, Arizona passed away Saturday August 17, 2024. 

He was born January 31st, 1946, in Los Angeles, CA.  Les was the son of the late JR and Daisy Underwood of San Bernardino, CA. He was affectionately called “Butch” by his parents and his whole family knew him by that name.  Les spent many of his summers in Jerome, AZ, (his mother Daisy’s birthplace).  He graduated from Montebello High School in LA and went on to join the US Navy and served during the Vietnam war.  He was on the USS Oriskany when the ship caught fire in 1966, off the coast of Vietnam.  He felt very honored to serve his country.  After he was honorably discharged from the Navy, he continued to serve his country in transportation and was a truck driver for over 44 years before retiring.   

Butch was an avid history buff and enjoyed reading western books.  His favorite author hands down was Louis L’Amour.  He read every one of his books at least twice. 

He is survived by his sisters Margaret Caputo of Temple City, CA and Donna Baughman of Picayue, MS;  children: Jeff Underwood of Camp Verde, AZ; Tracy Carnes and husband Tom of Lynchburg, VA; Tammy Underwood of Cottonwood, AZ ; Camy Kennedy of Legget, Tx;  Shannon Collier of Ft Smith, AR;  Vicki Underwood of Buckeye, AZ; Greg Underwood of Phoenix, AZ; Jodi Wiegand of San Bernardino, CA; and Brian Wiegand of New York.  He had 22 grandchildren and a growing list of great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and Aunts.

Les (Butch) was preceded in death by his wife Jeanne: a daughter: Leslie Underwood; his parents; Jr and Daisy Underwood, and two brothers: Jack and Jim Underwood.

Butch will be missed by many.  There will be a small gathering at his Naval burial at sea at a later date.