Lewistown - Hugh Edward “Huey” Kline, Sr., 84, of Lewistown, passed away at 12:05 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2016, at home, surrounded by his family.
He was born March 15, 1932, to Harold and Nellie (Jones) Kline of Cuba. He married Ellene Strode. He later married Nancy Tyler. His parents and brothers, Harold Jr., Jerry, and John Kline all preceded him in death.
Survivors include his sister, Margaret Hutchins of Rockford; faithful friend Dale Morse; and special friend, Joan Heffren.
Also surviving are five children, Hugh E. “Ed” Kline, Jr., Mark L. (Shirley) Kline, Matt J. (Teresa) Kline, Jennifer A. Kline, and John H. (Angela) Kline; nine grandchildren, Hannah M. Kline, Mark A. Kline, Paul I. Kline, Anthony J. (Whitney) Kline, Amanda L. (Jamie Morrill) Kline, Christopher T. Smith, Samuel D. Kline, William C. Kline, and Benjamin T. Kline; and two great-grandchildren, Aidan L. Kline and Emma J. Kline.
He was a man of many interests and professions. He boarded and worked for local farmers and rose early to deliver milk on regular routes. He also worked for the local railroad. Eager to serve but underage, he secured his mother’s permission to join the Army and was stationed in Japan until the Korean War broke out and he served there. Even so, he continued his high school education from afar, receiving a diploma from Cuba High School in 1950. He was a Ranger, Paratrooper, and Rifleman. He received three Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, an Army of Occupation Medal, a Korean War Service Medal, and a Good Conduct medal. He survived a North Korean death march. After the war he worked for Joliet Arsenal and Material Control Service. For a time he owned and operated a service station in Peoria and drove trucks coast to coast. Later he worked for ABC Maytag, then Bemis Brothers Bag Company (both of Peoria), and International Harvester in Canton. He also created and managed a small engine repair shop, provided security to the CILCO power plants, worked at the Havana coal docks, and was a school bus driver for Lewistown CUSD #97.
He was a member of VFW Post 5001 and American Legion Post 1 in Lewistown. He owned small airplanes and was a certified pilot, He enjoyed family get-togethers, watching Cubs games with Dale, cruising in his convertible, the outdoors, mowing, fishing, leatherwork, shooting guns and pool, poker, wind chimes, basset hounds, and eating tomatoes and chicken strips. Cremation rites have been accorded. A private graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lewistown. Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
