It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of retired Brother Jack Underwood on March 11, 2026. A dedicated and loyal member of our TWU Local 514 family, Jack spent nearly four decades serving American Airlines, starting his career in 1958 as a Crew Chief, Aviation Maintenance Technician. He retired in 1996, but his impact and legacy continue to be felt throughout our organization.
During his time with us, Jack was actively involved in the union, serving as Treasurer for TWU Local 514. His dedication to our members and his commitment to the union’s mission were an inspiration to all who knew him.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Underwood family during this difficult time. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
Rest in peace, Brother Jack. Your memory and contributions to our union will not be forgotten.
Jack Underwood passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at his home in Verdigris, Oklahoma, with family by his side.
Jack was born in White Oak, Oklahoma to Roe and Dorothy Underwood on August 30, 1935. The family eventually moved to Jenks, Oklahoma where he graduated from high school. From an early age, he developed a love for cars, mechanics, and farming. After graduating from high school, he attended Oklahoma A&M College, later known as Oklahoma State University, where he studied aviation mechanics.
During that time, he met Helen Grayson, the love of his life. They were married in March 1957 and shared 59 wonderful years together until Helen’s passing in August 2018. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters and one son.
Jack had a lifelong passion for farming and ranching. He was skilled in mechanics and earned his A&P license while in college. He worked for American Airlines for 39 years. He served as treasurer for the Transport Workers Union during his career. He also enjoyed flying his own plane and earned his private pilot’s license. While working at American Airlines, he built more than one farm and cattle ranch and was successful in other entrepreneurial endeavors throughout his lifetime. Jack and Helen were dedicated to serving their church communities faithfully.
Jack embodied the spirit of a true cowboy – independent, strong-willed, and full of life. His good-natured orneriness and zest for living were part of what made him so memorable to those who loved him. Above all, his faith, devotion to family, and love of life left a lasting legacy.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Roe and Dorothy Underwood, and his devoted wife, Helen.
He is survived by his daughters, Cathy Brown and husband Donnie Brown, Penny Nett and husband David Nett, and son Butch Underwood and wife Trudy. He is also survived by his sister Darlene Houtz, and brother Ronnie Underwood. He leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren: Brandon Roberts, Breck Roseborough, Brianne Smith, Derek Nett, Erica Rhodes, Niki Elza, Brittany Mora, and Chelsea Simpson. He was blessed with several great-grandchildren, as well as great-great-grandchildren, whom he loved deeply.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Claremore First Methodist Church in Claremore, Oklahoma, with interment to follow at Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Floral Haven Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Running Strong for American Indian Youth (https://indianyouth.org/give) or the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=10043).