Delma "Chief Dee" Wayne Underwood

Delma “Chief Dee” Underwood passed away on November 9, 2023 in Grandview, Texas at the age of 80.  Dee was born on August 15, 1943, in Haslet, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin H. and Vida Mae Underwood of Burkburnett, Texas, as well as five siblings.

Dee spent over 40 years in law enforcement, serving in various positions, including Deputy Sheriff, Police Officer, Sergeant, Detective, Corrections Officer, and most notably, 15 years as Chief of Police in Venus, Texas.  In addition to his years in law enforcement, he was honored to serve as an Associate Pastor at No Turning Back Ministries in Venus, Texas.  His kind heart and ability to build relationships with everyone he met greatly influenced those who knew him.  The community of Venus was significant to him, and he embodied what the importance of community is all about.  One Venus citizen stated, “If you grew up in Venus, Dee Underwood impacted your life and was a perfect example of what a role model should be.” He loved God, his family and friends, his church, and the people of Venus.  As Chief of Police in Venus, he was an example of the positive impact that community policing can have on a city. Anyone who knew him knew his most precious jewel was the woman who walked by his side.  Dee and Betty were married for 50 years, and he often referred to her as his rock. He was proud of all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and did not hesitate to brag about them.  He loved to sing and listen to music, and he was a loyal fan of his beloved Texas Rangers baseball team.  It brought a fantastic joy to him to see his Rangers win the World Series and become World Champions. 

Dee is survived by his wife, Betty, his daughters, Lori Underwood, and Sandra Machine and husband, Donald Machine, Sommer Talbot and husband Eric Talbot; sons, Michael Underwood and wife, Laura Underwood; Jay Underwood and wife Stephanie Underwood; C.H. Underwood, and Freddy Mitchell, as well as 16 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Delma "Chief Dee" Wayne Underwood, please visit our floral store.