Guy Carman Klingensmith continued his journey of eternal life entering through the Gates of Heaven on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Guy was born on August 21,1931, in Norwalk, Ohio to Charles Lewis Klingensmith and Emily Lavina Lee. He was the fourth child in a family of five children.
Guy spent most of his childhood in Clyde, Ohio and Monroe, Michigan. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1948 and entered the United States Navy to serve his country during the Korean Conflict. Guy was a Hospital Corpsman and ENT specialist in Guam during his Military Career. He was Honorably Discharged from the Navy in October 1952 and returned home to Monroe, Michigan.
It is in Monroe in April of 1953, where he met the Love of His Life, Pat. They were married in November 1953 and built a life of love and family for almost 70 years. While living in Monroe and surrounding areas, Guy worked for ACME Paints. He became the manager of the new Adrian Michigan Store in 1954. In 1956, Guy accepted a position with Household Finance Corporation and remained employed with HFC until mid 1981, when he retired as Vice President of Retail Sales, Southern Division. Over the years working for Household Finance, Guy, Pat and family moved several times eventually settling in the Oak Ridge North area of Conroe, Texas in 1968.
Guy didn’t remain retired long, quickly going into business for himself. He opened Huntsville Credit Management in late 1982 and a few years later Sam Houston Premium Finance, both located in Huntsville, Texas. He and Pat also owned Coopers Shoes in Huntsville. Guy was an active member of the Huntsville Rotary Club where he served in many capacities. While serving the Rotary in 1994, he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship. He was also active in the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce.
Upon full retirement, Guy became a volunteer for Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands (TX). He served many hours in the Volunteer Auxiliary in different capacities including Auxiliary President and Member of the Board of Trustees. It was while he was volunteering that his passion for Ministry became a reality. Guy became part of the Memorial Herman Palliative Care Ministry Team serving families during times of joy and grief. He was the official substitute for the full time Chaplain, serving on call day and night supporting individuals and families in crisis. Both he and Pat were Honored by Interfaith Ministries for their outstanding service at Memorial Hermann and to The Woodlands and surrounding communities.
Guy was a founding member of Faith United Methodist church. He served as Charged Lay Leader, Adult Sunday School Teacher, President of United Methodist Men as well as a Choir member. In later years, Guy made Montgomery, Texas his home where he attended April Sound Church, sang in the choir and was a prayer partner.
A little over three years ago, Guy and Pat moved to Heritage Oaks Assisted living. He continued his Prayer Ministry there by praying for fellow residents and staff. He also helped lead Bible Studies as he was able. He attended services on Sunday mornings at Heritage Oaks lead by Longmire Road Christ of Christ and loved the rich Community of Faith he found there.
It has been said if you have been on the receiving side of a Guy Klingensmith prayer you have been gifted with something very special. Guy believed God assigned him, among many things, to pray for people. He did exactly that! Guy lived out his Faith and God’s calling every day.
If you knew Guy, you knew relationships were important to him. He never missed an event for any of his family or extended family. He loved being a part of whatever you had going on in your life. All of us knew that he would always show up and support us because his laugh was distinct and infectious. He loved being with people and he made life fun. He taught us how important it was to Laugh, Teach by Example, and always “Make a Difference”.
Beyond serving the Lord and being with family and friends, Guy’s number one all-time favorite passion was GOLF!!! He loved playing the game and would often play in Tournaments supporting some of his favorite charities. He also loved playing with his son, son -in-law and grandsons. He NEVER had a bad day on the golf course. The final score didn’t matter (much) it was always the Fellowship. After 50 plus years of passion for the game, he was rewarded with a hole-in-one at Panorama Country Club (Willis, Texas) in March of 2002.
Guy is preceded in death by the love of his life, Patricia Giesler Klingensmith; parents, Charles Klingensmith and Emily Lee Klingensmith; brothers Donald Klingensmith and Richard Klingensmith; sister Lois Ritchie; sisters-in-law, Mary Klingensmith and Emily Klingensmith; brother-in-law, Richard Giesler; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his children; son, Paul Klingensmith and wife Susan; daughter, Nancy Klingensmith Bodman and husband Steve; grandchildren, Jillian Klingensmith Mills and husband Jessie, Paul Gregory Klingensmith Jr, Zachary Paul Bodman and wife Miranda, Greg Bever and wife Emily, Patrick Bever, Gretchen Davis, Amanda Gonzales and husband Jamie, Stephen Bodman, Nicole Lindsey and husband Chris. Guy had twenty great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Charles Klingensmith; sisters-in-law, Marlene Klingensmith and Juanita Giesler; and brother-in-law Donald Ritchie as well as many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to visit with the family at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 27, 2024 at April Sound Church, 67 1/2 April Wind South, Montgomery, TX 77356. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM with Pastor Keith Sobus officiating. There will be a small reception to follow. The interment service will take place at 2:00 PM in the mausoleum of Garden Park Cemetery, 801 Teas Rd, Conroe, TX 77303. Military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Navy.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Devotion Hospice. Your generosity will help provide comfort and care to those in need. To contribute, please send a check to the following address: Devotion Hospice , 610 N Loop 336 E, Conroe, Texas 77301. Please make the check payable to Devotion Hospice and write “In Memory of Guy Klingensmith” on the memo line.
Or to the Folds of Honor Organization, which provides scholarships for Military and First Responder families at www.foldsofhonor.org.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Guy Carman Klingensmith please visit (Eickenhorst) Sympathy Store.
