Robert Nash "Bob" Carpenter Sr.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert Nash Carpenter Sr. (Bob) on January 12, 2026. Bob was born in Shelbyville, Kentucky, on June 22, 1936, and soon after moved with his family to Louisville. He graduated from Male High School in 1954, and it was during those years that he met the love of his life, Claudette Payne.
Bob and Claudette became engaged while he attended the University of Louisville's Speed Scientific School of Engineering, where he was also part of the Naval ROTC program. The summer of 1959 marked a defining week in his life: he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering on Sunday, married Claudette on Wednesday, and reported to flight school on Saturday.
From 1960 to 1965, Bob proudly served as a naval aviator, flying the P2V Neptune and completing numerous critical missions during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his honorable discharge, he began a long and accomplished career with Ford Motor Company in 1966. Among his many achievements, he played a key role in introducing robotics to the Louisville Assembly Plant. He retired from Ford in 1999 as part of upper management.
Retirement only deepened Bob's commitment to serving others. He devoted himself wholeheartedly to his family, babysitting, driving grandchildren to their activities, repairing anything that needed attention, and offering support in countless quiet, meaningful ways. He embraced life fully, especially during his time boating at Nolin Lake, where he built his own cabin. Golf was another joy, and he delighted in organizing memorable golf trips for large groups from Southeast Christian Church. Each winter, he and Claudette spent the month of January in Florida, never wanting to be away from their family any longer than that.
Bob's faith was central to his life. He served for many years as an elder at Southeast Christian Church and later volunteered as a minister on call. He was also a founder of ROCK (Reclaim Our Culture, Kentuckiana), an organization dedicated to strengthening the community and standing against harmful influences.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Freeman Carpenter and Edith Ethel Carpenter, and by his beloved wife of more than 65 years, Claudette Carpenter, who he referred to as his "Special Lady". He is survived by one son, Rob Carpenter, and three daughters: Kelly Neutz (Bobby), Kerry Wood (Tom), and Kris Graves (Gary). He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed by his steady presence, his wisdom, and his unwavering love.
Visitation will be from 1:00pm - 5:00pm, Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Ratterman Brothers, East Louisville (12900 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40243) with additional visiting from 1:00pm - 2:00pm, Monday, January 19, 2026 at Chapel in the Woods (1407 Moser Road, Louisville, KY 40299) and funeral service to begin at 2:00pm. A private burial will take place at Floydsburg Cemetery (5600 Old Floydsburg Road, Crestwood, KY 40014).
Bob was a man who knew God deeply and lived a life that bore abundant fruit. His legacy of faith, service, and devotion will continue to live on in the family he cherished and the community he worked to strengthen.
The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes of Louisville in Bob's name.