Lewis Clair Klingensmith

Lewis Clair Klingensmith of Bradenton, FL and Johns Creek, GA, formerly from Ford City, PA passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025 at 94 years old.

Clair was born in Kelly Station, PA to Burt & Lucille (Spang) Klingensmith. He attended Ford City High School. Clair who was a US Army veteran of the Korean War, saw intense fighting on the 38th Parallel.

On September 6, 1957, he married the love of his life, Carroll Gene McCormick of Leechburg, PA. They enjoyed life for nearly 68 years together, building a home and family. They especially enjoyed travel and camping.

Clair worked as a caster for Eljer Corp for 38 years, where he was known for his extra-ordinary artisan quality.

Clair is a child of God. He was a member of Lord of Life, Alpharetta, GA and Redeemer Lutheran Church of Bradenton, Fl. He served with various disaster mission trips to Homestead FL, Albany GA, and St. Thomas.

Clair especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. Clair’s passion for well over 50 years was metal detecting. He was a longtime member of the Butler County (PA) Treasure Hunters and Bradenton (FL) Treasure Hunters.

Clair served as the treasurer of Troop 676 Boy Scouts for over 25 years. He was American Legion and VFW (lifetime) member.

Clair was known for his calm and patient demeanor and his devotion to his wife and family. He was a caring father, and an amazing grandfather. He was welcoming in conversation and often had a twinkle in his eye. Clair had heroic personal strength – miraculously recovering from a horrific tree fall in 2012 and persevered with ever-increasing cognitive loss over the last 7 years.

Clair is survived by his wife - Carroll Klingensmith; son - Kirk (Cynthia) Klingensmith of Corning, NY; daughter – Dr Renee’ (Dr. D. Dale) Stone of Alpharetta, GA; grandchildren Luke (Danielle) Klingensmith, Dr. D. Colin (Mackenzie) Stone, Dr Kayla (James Nicastro) Klingensmith, Dr Sydney Stone; great grandchildren Piper Klingensmith and Saylor Stone; and sister - Elma Shields of Black Lick, PA. (That’s five dentists in the family!)

He was proceeded in death by his parents, sisters Eleanor Galbraith & Anna Mae Klingensmith and brother Franklin Dean Klingensmith.