Robert Keith Manherz

Robert Keith Manherz, “Keith” of John Knox Village Pompano Beach, formerly of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Pittsburgh and Oakmont, Pennsylvania passed over peacefully on Nov 12, 2016 . He was the son of Amos and Evalyn Walker Manherz. He was predeceased by his wife of 68 years Louise Meanor Manherz in 2006. He had recently in September celebrated his 99th birthday at John Knox Village with his companion Phyllis Moody. Phyllis predeceased him 3 weeks afterward. Surviving him are his son Ronald and partner Martha of California, and his daughter Marlene and husband Edmund Lawton of New Hampshire, 4 grandchildren: Carl Manherz, Karen Powell, Kristen Wohlschlegel, Hollie Lawton, and 5 great grandchildren.

Keith was a professional commercial artist having graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and worked afterward as a draftsman at the Blaw-Knox Company during WWII. After the war he was the art director at Pittsburgh Outdoor Advertising Co until his retirement in 1979. During his employment in 1953 he designed the Horne’s Christmas Tree, a 6 story lighted tree on the Horne’s Building in Pittsburgh. The tree is still displayed annually in the tradition of Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night in December. His love of art shows in his many landscape paintings, stained glass objects and life size bird and wildlife sculptures. He also loved playing bridge and singing with the Village Singers at John Knox Village. He will be dearly missed by his family, and his many friends and staff at John Knox Village.

Condolences may be added to the website at the Kraeer Funeral Home at www.kraeerpompanobeach.net. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts to the TrustBridge Hospice of Broward and Palm Beach County would be appreciated.