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Paul James Underwood, Age 81, died Wednesday, 4 February 2009. Mr. Underwood was born Paul James Bohanon on 17 November 1927 to Herbert and Minnie Bohanon. After his father’s untimely death in 1936, Paul’s mother met and later married Troy Underwood, who graciously adopted Paul and his sister Nancy in 1940.
A graduate of Nowata High School, Paul met his first wife Marjorie Jean Phipps while delivering ice to homes with ice boxes; however, their love would be tested. Paul was drafted by the United States Navy and reported to the Naval Base at San Diego, California for Basic Training on 27 May 1946. As a radioman, Paul was assigned to the Naval Air Station Banana River, Florida. His assignment included duty in a transmitter shack on Coco Beach. As the Navy began its conversions to its new system of rank, Paul was granted early release to the United States Navy Inactive Reserve.
Paul returned to Nowata, Oklahoma and began a life long career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Paul and Marjorie were in 1950 and welcomed their first child, Paula Jane, soon thereafter.
His career with Southwestern Bell took him to Pawhuska, Oklahoma where his sons Donald Gene and Troy Clyde were born. In 1967, a new position with Southwestern Bell brought Paul and his family to Muskogee, Oklahoma. After a divorce in 1970, Paul served a year in the Oklahoma National Guard. He was assigned to Troop E, 145th Cavalry as a Radio Operator.
Shortly after leaving the Oklahoma National Guard, Paul met and married Dorothy Theole Cornilius on 27 June 1977. Between the two of them, Paul and Dorothy had five children. Paul was active in American Legion Post 14, Communication Workers of America local 6012, and the Telephone Pioneers. In 1989 Paul retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company after 40 years of loyal service. During retirement, Paul kept busy traveling, dancing, gardening, and fishing.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 26 years, Dorothy Underwood. He is survived by his daughter Paula Jane Underwood of Laurel, Maryland; his two sons Donald Underwood (Candice) of Walnut Creek, California and Troy Underwood (Charolette) of Muskogee, Oklahoma, three grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and a host of other family and friends.
Services are scheduled for March 2, 2009 at 2:00 pm at the National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. The family has entrusted Bradley Funeral Service of Muskogee with the arrangements.
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