1SG (Ret) Jeffrey Louis Kline

July 5, 1960 - July 17, 2019

Jeffrey Louis Kline, son of the late David Lee and Barbara Jean (Pilcher) Kline, was born July 5, 1960 in Dayton, Ohio where he grew up and graduated from Wayne High School. Shortly after graduation, Jeff entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement in 2000. He had earned the rank of First Sergeant and for his faithful service was awarded several medals and commendations; some of which include: Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (6th Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), National Defense Service Medal, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2nd Award), Southwest Asia Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Kuwait Liberation Medal (K), Kuwait Liberation Medal (SA), Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle, Driver and Mechanic Badge, and Drill Sergeant Identification Badge. Jeff continued his education by attending Troy University and was also in the process of earning his teacher’s degree from Drury University. Jeff was united in marriage to Karen Winkler and they were blessed with two children: Joshua and Cassandra. After retiring from the military, Jeff continued serving his country as a civil service employee. He worked for 14 ½ years for Engility Corporation as a Database Manager building military scenarios. On July 8, 2006, Jeff was united in marriage to Verna Sue Hughes in Phelps County, Missouri. Two families were blended and together they shared five children. In his spare time, Jeff enjoyed cooking, traveling, rock collecting and was a huge Marvel comics fan. He loved to collect all kinds of Marvel paraphernalia. He was also a member of AUSA. Jeff was a very giving and loving person and enjoyed being able to help others, not just family. Most importantly, he loved his family dearly and looked forward to every time they could be together. Jeff passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2019 in his home following a courageous battle with cancer having attained the age of 59 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Jeff leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Verna Kline of the home; four children: Erika Garcille and her husband, Trevor of Rolla, MO, Cassandra Kline of Gloucester, VA, Russell Ervin and his wife, Tiffany of Union, MO and Nicholas Riley and his wife, Bonnie of Cement, OK; nine grandchildren: Skylar, Seth, Dillon, Alexa, Parker Joy, Parker James, Keller, Joshua and Leah; his daughter-in-law: Amanda Kline-Lantz of Fort Polk, LA; three sisters: Deborah Hayes of the State of OH, Kim Tussey and her husband, Dale of West Carrollton, OH and Angela Kline of Kettering, OH; one brother: Troy Kline of the State of OH; several nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his son: Joshua Kline; and first wife: Karen Kline. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2019 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Curtis Felton officiating. The songs “You Should Be Here” by Cole Swindell, “Dancing in the Sky” by Dani & Lizzy and “Jealous of the Angels” by Donna Taggart were played. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jeff Kline and may be left at the funeral home.