Clarence David Underwood

Clarence David Underwood, 85, who had lived in Lonoke, Pulaski, Garland, and Faulkner Counties, passed away on December 10, 2025. Born on April 28, 1940, in Allport, Arkansas, Clarence was the son of Robert Odie and Mary Ella Underwood, and husband of 59 years to Dorothy Blacklock Underwood.

He spent his early years working in the rice, soybean, cotton, and wheat fields in south central Arkansas. He moved away from the farm and landed an awesome job as a zookeeper at the Little Rock Zoo. Over his 31-year career, he worked with all animals across the zoo. He had his favorites including Himalayan bears, siamang apes, and reptiles. He had some close calls with a few as well--Al the polar bear, Ellen the elephant, and an orangutan.

He and Dorothy loved camping and lake life. They camped and fished at Lakes Ouachita, Hamilton, and Conway, catching primarily bream and crappie. He also snagged catfish on the Arkansas River.

They took travel trips with family and friends through Camp Moix visiting Arkansas and other states around the country.

He also enjoyed hunting, and his nephews often shared stories about the lessons he taught them—especially how to pick a duck.

He once spent his days behind the wheel of drag race cars, earning several trophies, and later in life settled into the passenger seat, traveling with his wife as his chauffeur.

Above all, Clarence loved spending time with his family. He was known for his straightforward nature, his steady presence, and the stories he told.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy; children, Lisa Davis (Greg), Donna Lesher (Tim DarDar), Reda Underwood (Randy Swantner); grandchildren, Chris Lesher, Jamie Martin, Michael Lesher, Allison Weaver, Ashley Lesher-Meeks, and Maya Henderson; great-grandchildren, Emma, Lilly, Adelaide, Trey, Noah, Preston, Madison, T.J., J.T., and Braxton; and sister, Frances England. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Audrey, Eugene, Liz, Mary Lee, Kenneth, Lewis, and Dorothy.

A celebration of life gathering will be scheduled after the first of the year. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.