Dave Underdown Obituary (1936 - 2021)

Dave was proud to be an Arizona native. Born in Prescott, AZ in 1936 family moved to Wickenburg when he was 12 years old his best friends were Jim Mason and Jitterbug Garcia. He played high school football, was vice president of his senior class and drove a Model A all over this country. Family built and owned Wickenburg Lumber where he worked with his mom and dad. Competed in rodeos, danced at Bowman's Barn and loved everyday of life. He started Red-E-Mix Inc in 1958 when he and Gloria bought a cement plant on their honeymoon. Dave loved Wickenburg and never backed down to help in the community. He help start Wickenburg Sheriffs Posse 6/22/1973 as Captain and remained active for 42 years. At the same time he was a Reserve Deputy Sheriff in the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office and worked closely with Wickenburg Police Department. He was a charter member of the Wickenburg Elks #2160 for 63 years Elks #11. He wrangled horses for many years on the Desert Caballeros ride had a great story about no stew in 62. He was a member of the Gold Shirt Gang (rode a 3yr stud colt through the front door of Rexall Drug store during the Gold Rush Days Parade). Was very active in the Wickenburg Saddle Club from the 1960's to well beyond the years that his daughters were no longer competing, he cooked with lots help the pit bar-b-que beef that fed many on Gold Rush Days. In the last 19 years he helped rebuild the Everett Bowman Rodeo Arena put in blood and sweat, called in a lot of local favors and actively fund raised to upgrade the facility to what it is today. He served on the Wickenburg Town Council and Board of Adjustments. He supported his wife and daughters with good horses so that they could fulfill their dreams in rodeo and he traveled with daughter Teresa all over the United States, Canada and Australia throughout her rodeo and racing career. Dave is survive by is wife of 63 years Gloria and was super dad to daughters Phyllis and Teresa. He will be missed by many of his nieces and nephews. His is preceded in death by his dad Perry Underdown, mom Ethel Underdown, brother Perry Underdown, sisters Geri Kelly and Louella Johnson. In lieu of flowers please donate to: Wickenburg Sheriffs Posse (DBA) High Desert Search & Rescue PO Box 1722 Wickenburg, AZ 85358