Service Details
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, FEBRUARY 21, 2025, for a visitation from 9:00 am – 11:00 am.
The celebration of his life and Homegoing will follow at 11:00 am with Rev. Dr. Demetris Crum officiating.
For those wishing to view the service via livestream, you may click on this link at 11:00 am. https://youtube.com/live/gVgiZB3KYFQ?feature=share
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to “Ethnic Elders in Motion” c/o Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center (8600 Sheridan Road, Kenosha WI 53143)

ANTIOCH, IL – Mr. Lawrence Evans Underwood, Jr., son of Lawrence Evans Underwood Sr. and Daisy Underwood (Anderson), was born on September 3rd,1945 at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.
Lawrence attended Dunbar Vocational High School graduating in the class of 1964 as a stellar student athlete. Lawrence later went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from DePaul University in 1971.
On September 1st, 1979, Lawrence married his loving wife Dr. Sandra Millon at the Second Baptist Church in Maywood, IL by Rev. Wallace W. Sykes.
As an entrepreneur Lawrence Jr. opened a furniture store with a friend on the south side of Chicago called E & U Furniture. From there Lawrence began a long career at Wickes Furniture where he became a perennial sales leader for the company for nearly 40 years.
In addition to Lawrence’s creativity and passion for home decor and furnishing, Lawrence was passionate about serving his customers and friends. Lawrence became well known in the Chicagoland area and served many athletes and families in home furnishing over a long career with Wickes and others. It really seemed like he sold furniture to everyone..!!!
Growing up Lawrence had an incredible love for “oldies but goodies” or better known as “dusties” throughout his whole life. This was the music of R&B artists like The Temptations, The Miracles, The Four Tops, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, etc. During 1962-1970, a radio DJ by the name of Herb Kent, “The Kool Gent,” hosted a show on WVON radio called “The Dusties”. Herb’s well known voice was very deep and he sounded a lot like Lawrence’s. Lawrence listened to the show faithfully and hosted make-believe radio programs for his siblings while they were younger. Lawrence would use a pretend microphone, introduce, and talk about different R&B artists as their records played in the background. The family was certain that he would become a Disc Jockey because of his commanding and deep voice which sounded so much like Herb Kent.
Lawrence’s sister Penny had a personal nickname for Lawrence – “Brother Dear.” She called him “Brother Dear” because of their special bond as the older brother. She would always call or write to him when she needed advice or comfort. Penny knew Lawrence was always looking out for her and giving her the special support she needed throughout her life.
While Lawrence was young everyone in the neighborhood and his siblings called him “Butch” until his High School years. This was the name the neighborhood boys he played ball with gave him – and it stuck. However, when Lawrence got ready for high school, he asked everyone to stop calling him “Butch” because he had outgrown that name and wanted to be known by his real name “Lawrence Jr.” which sounded more grown up.
Lawrence and his older sister Delores had a very close relationship as they were born three years apart. Delores keenly remembers taking care of Lawrence when they were younger.
In addition to his loving wife, Dr. Sandra Millon Underwood, Lawrence is survived by his sons,
Lawrence Underwood, III and Michael Underwood; his daughter, Yvette (Charles) Palmer; his grandchildren, Sydney and Shelby Palmer; his sisters and brothers, Delores Hatch, Darlene Underwood, Shirley Underwood, Kenneth Underwood, and Alvin Underwood; his sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Cathy Jemison. Edward L. (Kiem) Millon, Jr., and Steven L. Millon; as well as many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues and friends.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his mother, Daisy Underwood, his father, Lawrence Underwood Sr., his brother, Darnell Underwood; his sister, Penny Underwood, and his sister-in-law, Brenda Montgomery.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, February 21, 2025, for a visitation from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. A service celebrating his life and homegoing will follow at 11:00 am with Rev. Dr. Demetris Crum officiating.
Lawrence officially passed away at Condell Advocate in Libertyville, IL on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 peacefully comforted by his loving wife Sandra Millon Underwood.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to “Ethnic Elders in Motion” c/o Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center (8600 Sheridan Road, Kenosha WI 53143)
Sheila Haley says
A donation will be made as per the family’s wishes. My prayers will be with Dr. Sandra Underwood and her family . Grief takes time and God is always there to Comfort us .
Tracey Rodgers says
My sincere condolences to the family. Keeping Dr. Sandra Underwood and son in my prays.
Dr. Berlean Burris says
Dear Sandra,
Please know that my prayers are with you and your family. God is able to see you through this difficult time. Love you.
Lynette DuPree 💗 says
Sandra, sending my condolences to you and the family. May you be comforted during this time.
SALLY BROWNE says
My sincerest condolences Sandra to you and your family.
Sally L. Browne
St.john, USVI (CERC)
Donald Horton/Walgreens says
May you walk in peace and realize that eternity is yours.
Azella Collins says
Sandra you and your family have my sincere sympathy and heart condolences ♥️☦️
Dr. Sonya Cooks Cooks says
Certainly. Here’s a heartfelt and respectful message you could write in the funeral guest book for Dr.
Dear Dr. Underwood and Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Dr. Underwood, you have been a mentor and role model to so many, and my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Please know that you are in my thoughts, and I hope you find comfort in the love and support of those around you. May cherished memories bring you peace in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Chi Eta Phi says
[Your
Dear Dr. Underwood,
On behalf of Nu Phi Chapter, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved husband. Our hearts are with you during this difficult time, and we hope you find comfort in the love and support of those around you.
Dr. Underwood, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do to support you, do not hesitate to reach out.
With deepest sympathy,
Anonymous says
Dr. Underwood
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Lean on our Father for your strength and peace during this difficult time.
Debra Boyd-Seale
Dr. A. Virginia Williams says
Precious memories of Underwood home visits where we felt the palpable presence of a heady sustenance: comfort, friendliness, and music in the presence of Mr. Underwood who supported the medical prep apprenticeship of countless youth by Dr. Sandra. At this difficult time, we want the Underwood family to know how much we love and care about you.
In Support and Sympathy,
George & Virginia Williams
(Parents of Dr. Aronica V. Williams-Murry )
Dr Tifuh Amba & Family says
Dear Dr Underwood and family, please accept our condolences at this time. We pray for God’s guidance and protection.
Dezzy Lovell, Sr. says
Dr Underwood, I know that no words can truly ease the heartache you must be feeling. Please accept my deepest condolences. I pray for you and your family at this time.
Hattie Dandridge says
Dr. Underwood and Family:
My heart aches for you and I send my sincere prayers for comfort and support through the arms of our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ .
Dr. Jennifer D. Pearce says
Dr. Underwood and family,
Thinking of you and your family with sympathy. May the memories of your loved one, as spouse and father, a life remembered and celebrated bring you comfort and peace.