Robert Keith Carpenter

Robert Keith Carpenter passed away on the morning of September 5th, 2020.

We are saddened to lose our husband, father, and grandfather, even at 96, but we are so blessed to have had him for so long.

He was born in Louisville on August 31, 1924, to the late O.B. Carpenter and Irene Robertson Carpenter. He was a 1942 graduate of Manual High School where he excelled in basketball, football and track and field. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and remained stateside during World War II, stationed in California.

In 1944, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Winfield. They had a son, Steven, and two daughters, Donna and Cindy. Robert returned to Louisville after three years in the Navy and began what would be a 40 year career with Southern Bell (AT&T). He began his diverse and enjoyable career by climbing telephone poles and spending many years managing several departments.

Bob became a Christian at age 9 at Victory Memorial Baptist Church. He was a dedicated member of Hurstbourne Baptist Church for 50 years. While there, he served as a deacon, taught Sunday school, sang in the adult choir, worked with the children’s choirs and Bible School, sang in the senior adult choir, and was a member Alpha Club and other committees throughout the years.

While at Hurstbourne, he met his second love, Thelma, and they spent 17 happy years together. Bob loved life and his outgoing personality and humor was a blessing to all those around him. He had fun traveling with his wife, played and watched most sports; and, for a long time, enjoyed a yearly fishing adventure in Canada with dear friends. He especially loved spending time with family and friends, including his dear granddaughter, Erin.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Jean, and his infant son, Steven.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Thelma; daughters, Donna Churchill (Fred) and Cindy Carpenter-Kurtz (Keith); granddaughter, Erin; sister-in-law, LaVonne Clark; brother-in-law, Clarence”Sonny” Allen; and niece, Lauren Clark.

Bob will be deeply missed by all whose lives were touched by his remarkable presence.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 9th, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, at Highlands Family-Owned Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Rd., 40205, and 9:30 am to 11:00 am Thursday, with his funeral service at 11:00 am at the funeral home.

Entombment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences can be made at www.highlandsfuneralhome.com.