Robert "Bob" Underwood

Connersville, IN Local jewelry business owner, Robert L. “Bob” Underwood, 91, of Connersville, died Wednesday morning, August 23, 2017, at his residence. Bob was born December 20, 1925 in Aurora, Illinois, the only child of Carlton R. and Grace Emily Nolte Underwood. He was a 1943 graduate of Aurora High School where he was the quarterback of the football team. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served with an amphibious battalion in the South Pacific during World War II. Bob attended the Elgin Watch College in Elgin, Illinois on the GI Bill and attained the distinction of Certified Master Watchmaker. Local jeweler, Merlin Jinks, hired Bob in the late 1940s and sold his store to him in 1948. Bob was a charter member of the Peace Lutheran Church and had served on the church council. Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing and ice-skating. He was an avid golfer and achieved two ‘holes in one.’ Bob is survived by his wife of over 66 years, the former, Janet C. Dieckman, whom he married September 24, 1950, in Batesville; his daughters: Susan A. Peters of Brownsburg, Jane K. Taylor and her husband, Rick of Connersville; his grandchildren: Bobby Peters and Heather of Avon, Kathy Griner and Rob of Speedway, Ron Taylor and his friend, Shelly Dixon of Centerville, Mathew Taylor of rural Fayette County; his great-grandchildren: Cameron, Ethan and Logan Taylor; Molly, Ava and Josie Griner; Clayton, Olivia and Eli Peters and several cousins. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Kathleen. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Peace Lutheran Church with Rev. Norman Dew officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery; section F, with military honors conducted by the Fayette County Veterans Council. Friends may visit at the church from 12 noon, Saturday until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Peace Lutheran Church. Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, is in charge of the arrangements. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com