Robert F. Bernhardt, 87, of Evansville, died Wednesday evening, May 27, 2009, at St. Mary's Medical Center. He was born September 7, 1921, to the late Luella and Fred J. Bernhardt.

Bob was a member of Bosse High School's 1939 basketball team that went to state and he was also in the band as a first chair cornet. He graduated from IU in 1943 with a business degree and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

During WWII, he served in the Army in California. In 1957, Bob bought Kight Lumber and grew it from 12 employees to 120 in 1988, when he sold the business to his sons and then retired. He also owned and operated Knob Hill Mobile Home Park from 1960 until 2005.

Bob was an 87-year member of Bethel UCC, serving as president of the church council. He was a charter member of Rolling Hills Country Club and enjoyed golf trips to Scotland and Florida. Bob loved to travel and visited more than 50 countries.

He was also a member of the Optimist Club, Toastmasters and Kennel Club. Bob loved life and touched many lives along the way.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Florence (Rupper).

Bob is survived by his sons, Tom (Pamela) and Kent (Linda); daughter, Barbara; five grandchildren, Gretchen (David) Howard, Ginger (Matt) Barnett, Brian Bernhardt, Greg (fiancée, Erica Baas), and Matt Bernhardt; and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Mildred Long of Indianapolis and Ruth Shambo of Texas.

The family would like to thank the staff at River Pointe and his family doctor, Dr. Karl Sash.

Friends may visit today from 4 to 7 p.m. at Alexander East Chapel. Private services will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674; Bethel United Church of Christ, 3029 N. Green River Road, Evansville, IN 47715; or to Vanderburgh Humane Society, 400 Millner Industrial Drive, Evansville, IN 47710.

Arrangements by Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue.

May 29, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Donnie Blanford, Owensboro, Kentucky

May 29, 2009
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Bernhardt. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With Deepest Sympathy, George and Bonnie Mandis, Fredericksburg VA

May 29, 2009
Barb, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing, my thoughts and prays are with you and your family. Roberta Boyle, Evansville, Indiana

May 29, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Sam Mcintyre, Owensboro, Kentucky

May 29, 2009
I have wonderful memories of the stories my father "Don Paro" and Mr. Bernhardt would tell. When your dad would see me in Kight, he always had a smile and a kind word. You are in my prayers.

May 29, 2009 I met Bob through the Eastside Optimist Club. He always had a smile for everyone. He will be greatly missed. Regan Bough, Evansville, Indiana