Robert L. Underwood

Jan 9, 1921 - Feb 16, 2012

Robert L. Underwood, 91 of Port Clinton, OH, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, February 16, 2012 at H. B. Magruder Hospital, Port Clinton, OH. He was born on January 9, 1921 in Toledo, the son of Henry L. and Emma (Ottoman) Underwood.

Bob started cooking when he graduated from high school. He cooked for the crew on the highway construction for 2 years. Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

On September 19, 1943 in South Bend, IN, he married Ethel Gene Rhoades and she survives. In 1946, he moved to Port Clinton, OH to take over the Crystal Hamburger Shop, where he changed the name to Bob's Grill in 1951 and also had a Bob's Grill in Fremont, OH for 10 years. He owned and operated many businesses such as Underwood's Restaurant, the Camp Perry Club House, Camp Perry Snack Bar on the Beach for 10 years, Camp Perry drive in, Fremont Oil Restaurant along with the bus stop, Seafare Room next door to the restaurant, catering room for weddings, etc. where all the service clubs would meet, Lake Hotel Dining Room for 2 years, Lakeside Hotel dining room for 2 years, concession stand at Lake View Park for 10 years, catering from the restaurant downtown, weddings, box lunches, vending machines and on site food service at Uniroyal and small Seafare Room and Calvery Room at Avalon for 2 years. Bob could be found flipping pancakes at many charitable events throughout Port Clinton. He was a member of the Elk's Lodge #1718 and the V.F.W. Homer D. Gardner Post #2480. Bob will be greatly missed by his loving friends and family.

Survivors include: Wife: Ethel R. Underwood; Children: Sharon Johnson; Mike (Diane) Underwood, Steve (Lisa) Underwood and Pat (Dave) Potempa; Grandchildren: Travis (Tracey) Johnson, Andrew (Shannon) Johnson, Cassandra (Mike) Botti, Alexandria Underwood, Neal (Kara) Carr and Quentin Potempa; Great-Grandchildren: Bayard, Amelia and Ava Johnson. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Kenneth and sister, Dorothy Underwood Smith.

Visitation will be 2-4pm and 6-8pm, Tuesday, February 21, in the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Clinton, OH, where there will be an Elk's Lodge of Sorrow service at 6:00PM. Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. James N. Lehman at 11am, Wednesday, February 22 at the funeral home. Interment will be in Riverview Cemetery, with a military graveside service conducted by the V.F.W. Homer D. Gardner Post #2480.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bob, may be given to Ottawa County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com

Sources: Ancestry.com and FindAGrave.com

08/04/2025 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/85209147/robert-lewis-underwood