Posted on by Martin Cooney, Stone Sculptor
One of the Unexpected Joys of Being a Professional Stone Carver and Sculptor has been the Many, Many Chance Encounters with Members of the Public who feel Drawn to My Actions as well as my Carvings and Sculptures, resulting in Hundreds if not Thousands of Interesting and Engaging Conversions. And of all these Fascinating Encounters, None Epitomize the Strong Character and Nature of this Diverse Group of Individuals than my Chance Meeting with Bill Underwood Last Summer within the Verdant Confines of the Fledgling Walled Garden of Alta Vista, Kansas.
Immediately upon our meeting, it became apparent that Bill was a true and true character of the old connotation of the word; strong, stout, direct and exuding a confidence and strength of purpose that appears to be now dwindling with the onset of each generation. In short, he is what I would term a real man’s man. And with each encounter I was struck by a sense that this quiet, astute and direct man had a story to tell that would explain much about his self-assured demeanor and temperant manner. So it was not without a little coaxing on my part that I at last got him to open up and relate his story – the result of which is now carved in bas relief on a piece of stone that I selected from his old abandoned limestone quarry, located a quarter of a mile or so behind his farmhouse, situated a half-a-mile outside the Alta Vista city limits and nestled in the Wabaunsee County’s picturesque and tranquil Flint Hills.
Read More: https://martincooney.com/2025/06/18/above-the-best-bill-underwood-and-the-vietnam-chopper-pilot-commemorative-plaque/
