Obituary
Cerry Martin Klein (67) of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on August 23rd, 2023.
Cerry was born to David Melvin and Gloria Ann on December 11th, 1955 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the third of three children, a talented multi-sport athlete, as well as an excellent scholar. He attended both Northwest Missouri State and Purdue University, where he earned numerous degrees and achievements. He continued to enjoy education during his 35+ year career at the University of Missouri, where he was a successful professor, writer, researcher, and mentor.
Cerry is survived by his brother Michael, his sister Tammy, his wife Ann, as well as eight children and thirteen grandchildren.
His love of teaching was only surpassed by his love of his family, which he poured countless hours of teaching and wisdom as well as patience and understanding. He taught numerous classes while at Mizzou, amounting to thousands of students, including a few of his own children, and touched the lives of even more through his generosity, sense of humor, and willingness to help any and all. He will be remembered and missed by everyone who knew him.
Cerry requested his remains to be cremated, and the family will hold a small, intimate memorial for him. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated during this time.
Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO, 64063
I was so saddened to hear of Cerry’s passing. He was my professor early in his career at Mizzou and I have fond memories of playing basketball with him at McKee Gym on campus (even though I was often the only girl!) He was one of the first professors who was kind and inviting and helped shape my approach to working with students today. I had the privilege of being in class when he was awarded the prestigious Kemper Teaching Fellowship which was a well-deserved honor. I recall he had hurt himself playing basketball the night before so he was wearing sweatpants when the camera crew came in and announced he was receiving the honor! I am now faculty member in the business school and had the opportunity to work with him when he was department chair and I was co-teaching classes with some of his faculty. Cerry had a profound impact on so many of us and he will be missed.
Dr. Mary Beth Marrs