"I never met a lamp that I didn't like. Well, actually, there was one…"

Dennis Lee Underwood, 78, of Mount Dora, FL, died of a heart attack on Monday, February 19, 2024. He was born in Preston, MN, on Dec. 11, 1945. He and his sister Sherry were adopted by the late Ellsworth, "Jiggs," and Capitola (Allie) Underwood of Lake Mills, IA. At one time the family raised chickens and he recalled spending Saturdays shoveling out the 3-story chicken coop, starting at the top and working down. The only time that he remembered eating Chinese food as a child was on the way to the annual fishing vacation in Minnesota. He served in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, Petty Officer 2nd Class, (1966 – 1970) receiving an Honorable Discharge. In Viet Nam he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, as a medic and was later transferred to Da Nang Hospital as an OR Tech. He attended Mankato State College, Mankato, MN, (1964 – 1966) and graduated from Ferris State College, Big Rapids, MI, (1973, A.A. degree) and Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, (1975, Mortuary Science).

Dennis met the love of his life, Gordon Barcalow in 1977 at a house-warming in Jackson, MI, and they spent the next 47 years deeply in love. Dennis and Gordon were legally married September 14, 2016, at a private ceremony on the beach. That was closely followed by a formal wedding with family and friends on their anniversary, February 6, 2017. He was proud of his daughter from his first marriage, Heather, and looked forward to her annual visits from Michigan with her husband Roger. "G-G-Pa" enjoyed his role as a grandfather to Allie, Char, and Ty, and then as a great-grandfather to Paisley, Ryland, Cayson, and Aspen. Dennis had a soft spot for animals and loved his dog, "Tut," who died at the old age of 19. He also enjoyed spending time with friends, especially holiday meals, although you knew when he was ready for "quiet time" alone. His "chosen family" was very dear to him and included those both locally and from cities where he had previously lived.

After working as a Funeral Director and Mortician, he entered into Retail Management with Spencer Gifts quickly advancing to District Manager. He then opened "The Prancing Pony" antiques store in Chicago, IL, followed by exhibiting at antique shows and flea markets. For more than 25 years, he was a vendor during the Extravaganzas at Renninger's in Mount Dora. His specialty was refurbishing vintage and antique lamps and he was known to many as "The Lamp Man." He had a passion for Mid-Century Modern and continued working on lamps until his death. Dennis was Baptized and Confirmed in the Lutheran faith as a child. As an adult, he would describe himself as spiritual but not religious. However, he was very supportive and proud of his husband's call to priesthood in the Old Catholic faith and as a professional Chaplain. He had many hobbies, but everyone knew his hero was Scrooge McDuck (a.k.a. Uncle Scrooge). Dennis's passion for the lovable character grew into a collection which eventually took over a small bedroom at home. He also loved to travel, especially on cruises (35+) with Gordon. Together, they visited Europe, Central and South America, Caribbean Islands, Cuba, Tahiti, and the U.S. He enjoyed seeing and exploring varied architecture, history, cultures, and food. Cooking was his "Love Language." Although he said his style was "basic," he delighted in tweaking recipes, resulting in rave reviews.

Dennis is survived by his husband, Gordon Barcalow; brothers, Keith and Nancy Springer, George and Jeannine Springer, Jerry Bauck; his daughter, Heather and Roger Bearss; grandchildren, Alyssa, Charlene Bearss, Tyler and Renee Bearss; great-grandchildren, Paisley, Cayson, and Aspen Bearss, and Rylan Percy and numerous nieces and nephews of many generations. In addition to his parents, Dennis was predeceased by his sister, Sherry (Underwood) Mohr, and his brother, Tom Springer.

A Funeral service followed by a Celebration of Life will begin at 10:30 a.m., Mon., March 11, at Corpus Christi Episcopal Church, Okahumpka, FL. Committal and Military Honors will be at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL, in a private ceremony for family. Instead of flowers, he had requested that donations be made in his name to Human Rights Campaign at HRC.org