LaVon Kay Underwood, 85 years, of Denmark, Iowa and formerly of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Sunday, July 28, 2024 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House, West Burlington, Iowa. She was born October 16, 1938 at Burlington, Iowa, a daughter of Richard and Esther (French) Welch. They later divorced. Esther married Delforde Turner, and he adopted LaVon as his daughter. She first married Albert Harper in 1956. They had seven children: Kathy, Albert Henry, Diane, Robert, Debra, Daniel, and Michael. They later divorced. On June 21, 1972, she married Gerald David Underwood. They had one daughter, Esther. He preceded her in death April 19, 2019.
LaVon was a homemaker. She enjoyed crocheting, and made blankets and clothing for dolls and bears. She loved spending time with her family, and she taught them deep respect and love. LaVon loved the Lord and was a member of the Oakland Church of the Nazerene, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
She is survived by her seven children: Albert Henry (Barb) Harper of Fort Madison, Iowa; Diane (Terry) Otten of Kirksville, Missouri; Robert “Bob” (Suzie) Harper of Denmark, Iowa; Debra Scott of Denmark, Iowa; Daniel (Crystal) Harper of Fort Madison, Iowa; Michael (Tina Albert) Harper of Denmark, Iowa; and Esther (Dale) Lewis of Marion, Iowa; siblings: Jim Turner of Indiana; Richard Turner of West Burlington, Iowa; Kaylynn Flinn and Terry Welch. She had 52 grandchildren, 68 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Kathy Bowers, grandchildren: Roland Harper, Anthony Harper, Michael Harper, Jr and Kimberly Jibben, one sister Sandy Mutchler, nephew Ricky Turner, and son-in-law David Mosena.
A Memorial Service for LaVon will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, August 2, 2024 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison, Iowa, with Reverend Mike Perkins officiating. Barr Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the LaVon’s family, and an online guest book may be found at www.barrmemorialchapel.com.
