HAMPTON -- Ernest R. Underwood, 59, of 1 Mill Road, who served on the staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations of the 79th Congress, appointed to that post by the late Sen. Stiles Bridges in 1962, died at his home after a long illness.

He had served two terms as a representative to the New Hampshire General Court, and on the State Republican Committee from 1946 to 1962. From 1959 to 1972, he served as an industrial analyst for the Federal Aviation Association at Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C.

He was born in Lawrence, Mass., the son of Mrs. Mae LaBonte of Exeter, and the late Neal Underwood. He had resided in Hampton for 46 years, having attended schools in Hampton and Mt. Hermon, Mass. He was a U.S. Army Air Force veteran of World War II, holding a senior pilot's badge, and distinguished flying cross air medal.

He owned and operated hotels and motels at Hampton Beach from 1938 to 1957. He was in the real estate business in Hampton from 1946 to 1956. He also held a partnership in the Hampton Airport. He served two terms as a commissioner of the Hampton Beach Village Precinct.

He was a member of the Star of the East Lodge, F&AM, Exeter.

Members of the family include two sons, Neal R. Underwood, and Ernest R. Underwood, Jr., both of Hampton, and two grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Wednesday morning from the Ronald A. Remick Funeral Home with Rev. Donald J. Rankin pastor of the First Congregational Church officiating. Mrs. Jeanne Higgins was organist.

Burial was in the family lot at High High Street Cemetery with committal services by the Rev. Mr. Rankin.

Bearers were Robert Spellacy, David Barrett, Edward Ingraham and Kenneth Langley.

The flag that draped the casket was folded and presented by Roland W. Paige of the Hampton American Legion Post 35 to Mr. Underwood's oldest son, Neal R. Underwood.

Star In The East Lodge, F&AM, of Exeter conducted services Tuesday at the funeral home under the direction of Earl Swain, acting Master.

Donations in Mr. Underwood's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 22 Bridge St., Manchester.

[Editor's note: He was brother to the Neil R. Underwood who was killed during World War II, and for whom the Neil R. Underwood Memorial Bridgeconnecting Hampton Beach and Seabrook is named. Their parents were Cornelius "Neil" R. Underwood and Lillian Mae Slater.]