John Robert Underhill

November 2, 1938 - January 22, 2025

Granger - John Robert Underhill, 86, passed away on January 22, 2025. He was born on November 2, 1938, in Warsaw, Indiana, to the late John Boyce and Waunetta (Bruner) Underhill. 

John graduated from Riley High School, Class of 1957. On April 12, 1986, he married Carolyn Harris, who survives him. John was a well-known local entrepreneur, founding and operating multiple businesses including the Sugar Plum Raceway, Snelling & Snelling and Sports Promotions. With Sports Promotions, John brought to life the long-lasting Michiana Home and Garden Show, Michiana Sports Travel & Boat Show and several other consumer shows spanning South Bend, Kokomo, Indianapolis and Evansville. He also made a broad impact on local business by faithfully serving the Home Builder’s and New Car Dealer’s Associations.

John was also deeply passionate about motorsports. He was a semi-professional auto racer with the SCCA and competed in Formula Ford, Trans-Am and several other classes. He was a proud member of the Coachman Auto Club and was well-regarded for his contributions to the racing community.

In addition to his wife Carolyn, John is survived by his son, Mike Underhill (wife Kristi) and his grandchildren, Rory and Kayla of Madison, Wisconsin.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, Indiana.

The funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, Indiana.

Private interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Alzheimer’s Dementia research.  
John’s legacy of service, innovation, and passion for racing will be remembered by all who knew him. 

01/26/2025 djb

https://obits.chapelhillmemorial.com/obituary/john-underhill