Steven Wesley Underwood

Steven Wesley Underwood, 73, of Salem, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026. He was born March 18, 1953, in Roanoke, Va., to the late William Marvin Underwood and Joyce Crotts Lee. Steve was gifted with a mechanical mind and could make or fix just about anything he put his hands on. He was a skilled woodworker and built furniture and keepsakes that are still family heirlooms. Steve is remembered for being a great dad and (name for granddad) and for being "Uncle Steve" to his children's friends. Growing up, their home was the fun house where their friends always felt welcome and wanted to gather. Steve loved greatly, was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by those who loved him most. Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 32 years, the mother of his children and beloved companion for 23 more, Cornelia Underwood; daughter, Melissa Tunstall and husband, Brian; son, William "Brad" Underwood; Custodial niece and nephews, Byron Roop, Stephanie Bryan's and Jason Ruff; grandchildren, Cameron Carper (Ashley Higgins), Caitlin Carper Lankford and husband, Jon; Jenaveve Lankford and Patrick Carper and wife, Nikki; great-grandchildren, Marlee Carper, David Carper, Rebekah Wilson, Myiah Wilson, Noah Wilson, Mikayah Jackson, Jon Lankford, Jr., and Jasmine Lankford; sister, Sandra U. Watson; step-sisters, Kathryn Lee, Joyce Lewis and husband, Dwayne and Betty Jo Watts and husband, Jamie; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as special mother-in-law, Mildred G. Ruff. The family will welcome friends for visitation on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Dan Carawan officiating. Interment immediately following in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.