Paul E. Underwood, 92, of Frankfort, Ind., died January 5, 2024 at I.U. Health Arnett Hospital, Lafayette. He was born September 19, 1931 in Frankfort, Ind to Paul M. & Lela Merie (Ward) Underwood. He married Nellie “Betty” Anson on August 17, 1951 in Frankfort, and she preceded him in death on November 23, 2020.
Paul was a 1949 graduate of
Frankfort High School and a lifelong Frankfort resident. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from October 1951-October 1953, attaining the rank of Corporal. He joined the Frankfort Police Department on December 7, 1960 and proudly served the community until December 20, 1986. He achieved the rankings of Major, Lieutenant, Assistant Chief and proudly served as Chief from 1980-1984. He retired from the Frankfort Police Department as a detective in 1986. He was then elected Clinton County Sheriff on November 4, 1986 and served as Sheriff from 1987-1994. In his early law enforcement years, he also worked at the Frankfort Lumber Company. Paul was a member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church, life member of the FOP, Moose Lodge and Indiana Sheriffs’ Association. He was a 50-year member of Masonic Lodge #54, former member of Frankfort Motorcycle Club, and was Policeman of the Year in 1985. Paul enjoyed I.U. Basketball, Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, riding motorcycles and police work, but his greatest love was his family.
He is survived by: Daughters: Ruth Weidner of Frankfort, Kathryn (Mike) Myers of Frankfort, Paula Russell of Lafayette and Merie (Bob) Sharp of Frankfort, 9 Grandchildren: Tanya Weidner, Geoff (Paula) Weidner, Dan Bushman, Adam (Leah) Myers, Jason (Jillian) Russell, Christopher Russell, Sam (Caitlin Fox) Russell, Keegan (Kori) Sharp, and Andrew (Alyssa) Sharp, 18 Great Grandchildren: Mason and Jack Weidner, Dylan, Devin and Drew Bushman, Quintin, Xavier, Kaylee and Trey Frazier, Jaden, Khalin and Maddi Russell, Dylan and Ashton Heath, Benjamin and Harrison Sharp and Kingston & Khloe Sharp.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sons-in-law, Tom Weidner and George Russell, 3 grandsons, Corey, Craig and Jacob and granddaughter, Michele Bushman and great-grandson, Dalton, brother, Ward B. Underwood, sister, Lela Kathryn Underwood and niece, Patricia A. Underwood.
Funeral Services:
Visitation will be from 12 Noon-3 p.m. Friday, January 12, 2024 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Bunnell Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Shop with a Cop or JCAP, envelopes will be available. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com, where you may leave a condolence.