Lewis Underwood

Lewis Edward Underwood, affectionately known to generations of students, athletes, and community members simply as “Coach,” passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, in Pasadena, California, surrounded by his loving family. He was 89 years old.

Born in Shreveport, LA in 1936 to Claude and Ettie Underwood, Lewis’s life was marked by devotion to his family, his students, his players, and his community. For almost 40 years, he shared an enduring love with the love of his life, his wife, Joyce Elaine Underwood, whom he fondly called “My Joyce.” who is predeceased to him. Together, they built a home of warmth, faith, and service.

Lewis is survived by his children LaTonya Underwood, LuWann Underwood, Lacy Underwood, Lance Underwood, daughter-in-law Askia Underwood, and stepdaughter Lori Washington. He also leaves behind a proud legacy through his grandchildren: Nicole Morris, William McKissick, Drew Washington, Dallas Taylor-Cortez, Quentin Underwood, Trey Underwood, Carson Taylor-Cortez, and Zyan Taylor-Bomani.

Education was both a personal passion and a lifelong calling for Lewis. His academic journey began at Madison Elementary, Washington Junior High, and John Muir High School before he earned his Associate of Arts in Education from Pasadena City College. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Social Science/Physical Education from Grambling State University and a Master of Arts in Education from Brigham Young University. His thirst for knowledge led him to further studies at Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Los Angeles, Chicago State Teachers College, and UCLA.

Lewis’s athletic career was as decorated as it was versatile. At Washington Junior High and John Muir High School, he excelled in football, basketball, track, and baseball, earning All-Foothill League honors. At Pasadena City College, he was an All-Western State Conference athlete in football and baseball and received All-American Honorable Mention in football. At Grambling State University, he continued to shine as an All-Southwestern Athletic Conference standout in both sports. His athletic journey culminated with a professional career in the Canadian Football League as a member of the Montreal Allouettes.

Yet, Lewis’s greatest legacy lies not on the field but in the classroom. For over 50 years—more than 40 of them within Pasadena Unified School District—he educated, inspired, and mentored thousands of students. He taught Black History and Literature, U.S. Government, Health, Driver’s Education, and Physical Education, and he coached football, baseball, basketball, and wrestling. His influence as an educator and coach earned him induction into both the John Muir High School Hall of Fame (2006) and the Pasadena City College Court of Champions.

A man deeply committed to community service, Lewis gave tirelessly of his time and talents. He was a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he served as chapter president, and also belonged to Sigma Pi Phi (Boule) Fraternity, the NAACP, Kiwanis Club of Altadena, and numerous professional education and coaching associations. His civic contributions included decades of service with the Tournament of Roses Committee, leadership in the John Muir High School Alumni Association, mentorship through Kappa Alpha Psi’s Guide Right Program, and volunteer work with organizations such as The Links, Inc., the Young Black Scholars, and the Pasadena Black History Parade.

For his unwavering dedication, Lewis was honored with multiple recognitions, including two California State Assembly commendations for Outstanding Achievement in Education, two Los Angeles County awards for Dedicated Service, the Crown City Women in Action Award for Outstanding Community Participation, and the Pasadena Coming Together Honor for Outstanding Community Service.

Above all, Lewis Edward Underwood will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, and mentor whose faith, discipline, and generosity lifted others to see the best in themselves. His lessons—both in the classroom and on the playing field—live on in the countless lives he shaped.