Robert ("Bob") Evan Klinglesmith, 84, of Louisville, KY, died on December 15, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.
Bob was born in Howe Valley, KY, on March 21, 1934. His family moved to Louisville when he was 9. He attended Ahrens Trade School & studied graphic arts & sign painting, in the era of hand-lettered signs. Bob Klinglesmith Sign Co. opened in 1974 and for the next 14 years was instrumental in designing signs for some of the most well-known businesses and neighborhoods in Louisville including Chi-Chi's, Hawley-Cooke, Nanz & Kraft, Audubon Park, Seneca Gardens, and NTS Development. He sold the business to NTS to open their Graphic Design Department, and later made the transition to digital sign making. He retired in 2004.
In his youth he was an avid bowler. In 1961, his team went to the American Bowling Congress Championships in Detroit, MI; that same year, he bowled a perfect game. His biggest passion was black-and-white photography, even installing a home darkroom to perfect his craft. After taking a course at U of L in the late '60s, he was invited to teach the class. He studied the technique of Ansel Adams, and he had a one-man show in 1971 at The U of L Fine Arts Gallery on First Street. He passed on his love of camping & fishing to his family & friends. Later, he developed an interest in genealogy. His self-published book, The Klinglesmith Tribe, was last updated in 2012, & he loved sharing it with everyone.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Eula Mae (Nall) Klinglesmith, father, George Evan Klinglesmith, and brother, Floyd Eugene Klinglesmith. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Mary Louise (Schneider) Klinglesmith, whom he married on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1962, at St. George Catholic Church in Louisville. They had 3 children, of whom he was extremely proud: Mary Anne Flesch (Brian); Donna Jean Klinglesmith; and Roberta (“Bobbie") Lynn Brown (Richard); and 3 grandchildren: Shelby Flesch, Patrick Flesch, and Cameron Brown - all of whom deeply mourn his passing.
The family wishes to thank all of Bob's doctors & staff for their wonderful care. The family is especially grateful to Dr. Greg Meriwether, who gave us more than 3 extra years.
Visitation will be held Tuesday December 18 from 4 pm-8 pm at Highlands Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest Thursday December 20 at 11:00 am at Blue Ball Baptist Church in Hardin County. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kosair Children's Hospital.

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