Obituary

Ronald “Ron” Edward Kline, 77, of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Ron was born on October 19th, 1945 to Justina and Edward Kline in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ron grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and started working at his dad’s Shell gas stations at a young age. When attending high school at Bishop DuBourg, Ron met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Barbara Schroll. After high school he went to Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, MO where he also played on the offensive line for the SMSU Bears football team.

Ron went on to enlist in the United States Army in June of 1967 and served in Vietnam during the war in the Army Security Agency. 
Ron proudly served his country until June of 1971 when he was released from the Army after achieving rank of Sergeant. He then went on to earn his Master’s from Southwest Missouri State which led to a career as a Pretrial Officer in the US Federal Court System in Springfield, Missouri. Ron retired as Chief Pretrial Service Officer in Kansas City, Missouri in 2002.

After retirement, Ron dove into one of his favorite hobbies, fly fishing, and would spend hours in his work room making lures that he could use on his next fishing trip to Bennett Springs or Roaring River. He loved watching Westerns as well as cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals whenever he could.

Ron will be remembered for his patience, gracious attitude and his love and devotion to his family and friends. There was no place he would rather be than sitting around the dinner table, enjoying barbecue with a good beer, while joking and telling stories for hours. Those who have known him will miss hearing his Donald Duck voice and colorful recounting of living and traveling around Europe while serving in the Army. His playful demeanor and sense of humor earned him “Best Jokester” amongst his friends and peers in Memory Care.

He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Barb; his five children, Mike Kline, Steve (Bambi) Kline, Amy (Ryan) Dryer, Katie (Joe) Vaughan, and Susan (Ryan) Kinne; as well as 7 grandchildren, with another on the way. 

Visitation will be held at 1pm on Friday, October 6th, 2023, with the rosary being said at 1:45.  Celebration of Life service will begin at 2pm at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.