Karl Lee Klinginsmith

Karl Klinginsmith
Karl Lee Klinginsmith, 47, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, MO, on Tuesday, September 20, 2010, due to complications of lung cancer. On August 1st, 2009, he was diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer. His final days were spent in the loving arms of his family.

Funeral services will be at the Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 11 am on Friday September 24th. Burial will be at the Unionville cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday September 23rd from 6 pm to 8 pm at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the City of Unionville for a memorial in Karl’s honor.

Karl Lee Klinginsmith was born in Unionville, MO, April 22nd, 1963, the son of Don and Frances (McCoy) Klinginsmith, who preceded him in death. He was reared in Unionville and graduated from Putnam County High School in 1981. All throughout high school he raced motocross; he was even a national champion in the late 70s. Karl followed in his fathers foot steps as a diesel mechanic beginning at age 14. He was serving his third term as mayor of Unionville at the time of his death. Along with Jackie Buster, Karl was a seven time logging champion at the Iowa State Fair.

Karl Klinginsmith is survived by his wife, Shelly Klinginsmith, of Unionville, MO, and by three daughters, Ashley Klinginsmith and husband Justin Meyer of Charleston, IL; Jessie Graves and husband Mark of Springfield, IL, and Lacey Klinginsmith, of Unionville, MO; and a son, Tristan Klinginsmith and his wife Tiffani of Unionville, MO.
A granddaughter, Tatum Graves, also survives. Karl is survived by a brother, Donnie Klinginsmith and his wife Linda of Unionville, MO, and two sisters, Claudia Bears and husband Tony of Unionville, MO, and Marcia Erdelyi and her husband Rick, of Shreveport, LA. Many cousins and a host of friends also survive.

Karl was a hardworking, loving, caring, devoted, and very special man. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, watching football, spending time with his family and telling stories with friends. Karl could put a smile on any face.  He touched many lives. He was such a sweet, gentle man. He had a wonderful sense of humor and an amazing personality. He always had the best stories and he could accomplish anything he set his mind to. He was an amazing son, brother, father, grandfather, and role model.

May you rest in eternal peace, your suffering is over.

"I shall not die of a cold, I shall die of having lived" -Willa Cather