Bibb Underwood was born Nov. 12, 1931 in Ballinger, Texas to Sid and Vera Akers Underwood.
He attended Texas A&M and graduated in 1952. While at Texas A&M he was a Distinguished Military Student, Co-Editor of Aggieland Yearbook, and was selected Who’s Who his senior year.
Following graduation, he entered the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry. He went on to command companies in Korea, Hawaii and Viet Nam.
He was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Soldiers Medal, three Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart before retiring in 1979 as a full Colonel.
Following his retirement in 1979, Bibb completed a Master’s degree in Psychology at Texas State University. He went on to pursue a 20 year career as a marriage and family therapist. Many lives were touched through his therapy.
Upon retiring from Family Therapy, he went public with his writing avocation and published in the San Marcos Daily Record. This effort resulted in two books; “Ordinary People: Heroes, Creators, Survivors” and “Crumbs for a Hungry Soul.”
Bibb was civic-minded. He served almost 20 years on the Scheib Board of Directors; Board of Samaritan Counseling Center; San Marcos Transportation Advisory Board, San Marcos Tourist Information Center, Women’s Shelter, member of the City Park and Recreation Board and class agent for his Texas A&M of 1952. In addition, he taught Sunday School at the First United Methodist Church.
As a lifelong devotee of fitness, Bibb enjoyed running, tennis and cycling. After taking up cycling at the age of 70, he rode the Lake Tahoe Century ride, he did the MS 150 three times, and numerous other local rides.
He is survived by his good friend and companion, Shirley Rogers; a son Charlton (Chuck) Underwood and wife Nancy; daughter Jamie Reed and husband Michael; daughter Renee Underwood and partner Mary Beth Ricci; sister Jane Roberson and husband Sam; and brother Sidney. Grandchildren include Sean and Stacey Underwood, Cameron Reed, Parker Underwood and Great Granddaughter Sophia Reed.
A memorial service will be conducted at First United Methodist Church San Marcos Friday, March 22, at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First United Methodist Church San Marcos or the Sunshine Ladies at First Presbyterian Church San Marcos.
