of Little Rock, AR
December 6, 1941 - July 11, 2023
Robert Lincoln Underwood, aka "The Bunker", passed away surrounded by family on July 11, 2023. Bob was born on December 6, 1941 in Ferndale, MI to Henrietta and Herbert Underwood. The oldest of eight brothers and sisters, he grew up in Berkeley and Vestaburg, MI. He graduated from Vestaburg High School and attended Alma College before moving to Merrillville, IN where he worked at the Anderson Company and Carroll and Schaver Chevrolet.
In 1977, he pursued his dream and purchased Lincoln Carry Outs, which would be his legacy throughout Northwest Indiana. He eventually opened six locations and built a thriving, popular and long-lasting sandwich empire. He passed the torch on to his sons, Buzzy and Scott, who continue to carry the family business, winning awards as the Best Sandwich in the Region year after year. After retiring from Lincoln's in 2002, he moved to Little Rock, AR with his wife, Kim, where he assisted his brother, David in running Claybourne Furniture and spent his days fishing, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Bob is preceded in death by his father, Herbert Underwood; mother and stepfather, Henrietta and Herman Blaquiere and his brother, David Underwood. He is also preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn Underwood (Rooda). He is survived by their four children, Barb (Jack) Schinderle, Buzzy (Lisa) Underwood, Scott (Liz) Underwood, Patty (Joel) Sanchez and a combined total of twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his wife, Kim Getts, her two children, Todd (Leah and their two sons) and Cyrus (Debra) Getts and his six remaining siblings, Cindy (Gene) Fortin, Patti (Gerry) VanSyckle, Skip (Sandy) Blaquiere, Mary (Dale) Barnes, Anne (George) Germaine, Tina (Leonard) Jordan and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Bunker enjoyed attending major sporting events including the Chicago Bears and White Sox and taking trips to the casino. He loved showering his family and friends with love and affection. He will be remembered for his generous heart and giving ways. He had a way of making everyone around him feel special.
In lieu of flowers or donations, let's go buy a lottery ticket in Bunker's name. Good luck!
Sign Guestbook
22 Condolence(s)
james horvath
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
SORRY TO HEAR OF ANOTHER CLASSMATE FROM SHA
suzanne johnson
Sunday, July 16, 2023
He was a great boss. I loved working at Lincolns in Hobart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. My God bless each and every one of you.
Linda (Won) Bradford
Friday, July 14, 2023
I loved working for you at Lincolns in Merrillville. You made our job fun and you surely will be missed. RIP Bunker. We love ya.
Linda (Won) Bradford
Friday, July 14, 2023
I loved working for you at Lincolns in Merrillville. You made our job fun and you surely will be missed. RIP Bunker. We love ya.
Cora L. Morris
Thursday, July 13, 2023
I am so very sorry to hear about Bob's passing.
I had the pleasure of working with him at the Lincoln's on 4th Ave in Gary for 30 + years. He was a great boss, very kind hearted to everyone.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Rest in peace Bob you will be greatly missed.
Rosemarie Schmelzer
Thursday, July 13, 2023
My condolences to the family. Bob was a great guy—funny. I met him through my sister & brother in law, Fran & Don VanMeter.May he RIP.
Nadine jelovcic
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Condolences to the family. Bob was a great guy. Always had a smile and a good word to share. RIP my friend .
Lisa Wilkison
Thursday, July 13, 2023
I am so sorry! I remember Mr. Underwood from the Lincoln Carry-Outs at 61st & Harrison in Merrillville. I still order from Buzz in Hobart. What a legacy!
Johnny Rooda
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Love you and will miss you, Bunker. You brought joy to so many and were such a bright presence.
Linda Robinson
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Bob was my cousin Cindy’s brother by marriage of my Uncle Herman Blaquiere (my mother Lucy Blaquiere VanEssen’s Brother) to Henrietta (Aunt Tiny) . I have many fine memories of Bob when I was a very young child in Michigan and communication through family letters and pictures after we moved to FL when I was 9 and my sister Judy 13. Bob and I reconnected on Facebook and I will miss his posts, humor and love of life. Heartfelt condolences to Bob’s nearest and dearest and large extended family.
Frances Ann Van Meter
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
I remember Bob fondly. He and Carolyn were some of our best friends. They came to our house every Christmas Eve until we moved to Michigan. We had some good times.
Carol Blaquiere Hobart
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
R.I.P. Bob. â¤ï¸
Cathy Brassard Traynor
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
I remember Bob from my earliest childhood memories as being very kind and always taking time to smile, play and tease the younger kids. My condolences to his extensive family members, some of which I grew up with and knew very well. May he Rest in Peace and may peace be with his family during their time of mourning and beyond.
With heart felt sadness,
Cathy Brassard Traynor
Kent Chismudy
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Bunker you will be missed by all who knew you. Loved you as you always treated me like one of your own.
Lesa (Vice) Kvarta
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
My deepest thoughts and many prayers, for his entire family to find peace during this time . So so many memories growing up with the Underwood family. He was always laughing and joking around . He will be missed .
Jerry and Carolyn McCory
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
So many memories, lunch everyday at Lincoln's, White Sox games with the Bunker and Buzzy. He loved and was so proud of his family. Spending many New Years together. Get togethers at the Underwood's house Carolyn and I loved and will
miss Bunky!!!
Jerry and Carolyn
Sherry (Vice) Suppinger
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Barb and Buzzy, so sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a good guy. My mom, Lesa and I hope that the many fond memories you have will help ease the pain of losing your dad.
Linda Rooda
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
My thoughts and prayers for all of the family. So many me.ories from the day.
George Germain
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
I will always remember Bob being so upbeat and fun to be around. He was a jovial guy that I always enjoyed seeing. RIP Bunker!
Jack and Cheryl Schinderle
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Dear Barb, Buzzy, Patty and Scott, we are incredibly sorry to hear this news of your father. I remember gatherings with him….he was always kind and so proud of each of you. What a legacy he created with Lincoln for all of you to feel so proud of. Our family sends prayers, strength, comfort and love to all of you. 💜💜💜💜
Jim and Mary Ann Wiggins
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
So sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. We had a lot of memories we will cherish.
Cindy R. Andree
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Deeply sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers with the family