Melvin Joseph Kline, 90, loving father and grandfather of Perryville, passed away Friday, Jan. 24, 2025.
He was born Oct. 24, 1934, in Brewer to George Joseph and Laverne Mary (Rayoum) Kline.
Melvin and Dorothy May Winfield were married April 26, 1958. She preceded him in death on Sept. 17, 2018.
He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.
He was a member of Christ the Savior Catholic Church in Brewer.
Survivors include six children, Rodney (Laura) Kline of Ocala, Fla, Karen Duvall of Lee's Summit, Kevin Kline of St. Charles, Jeffery (Deanna) Kline of Perryville, Charlotte (Tim) Schloss of Lee's Summit, Rhonda (Matthew) Beul of Jefferson City; four siblings, Venita Weinkein of Perryville, Glennon Kline of St. Mary, Lucille (Wallace) Valleroy of Perryville, Stella Lindsey of St. Peters, sister-in-law, Rose Kline of Perryville; nine grandchildren, Kenneth Kline, James (Kelly) Kline, Olivia (Hunter) Smith, Christopher Kline, Kyle (Jennifer) Kline, Derek (Kali) Schloss, Tyler (Jessica) Schloss, Amy Schloss, Addison Beul; 13 great-grandchildren, Riley, Cameron, Warren, Harrison, Winnie, Natalie: Katherine, Lucas, Ryder, Harper, Ava, Brooklyn, and Rhett.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy May Kline; brother, Marvin Kline; sister, Dorothy May Hendrix.
Melvin had an excellent work ethic and worked various jobs in his life to support his family, including building airplanes, Corvettes, and the first public pool in Perryville. He even built his own home. He retired from Mississippi Lime Company in St. Genevieve after several decades.
But working was only a means to an end, he really had a zest and positivity for life. His real passions were his family, the outdoors, his farm and hayrides, playing cards and bingo, dancing, westerns, traveling, and playing music. In addition, he and his wife Dorothy, were very generous and proud to give everyone they knew fruits and vegetables they grew in their yearly garden. Just like their garden, they enjoyed seeing their family grow and loved them deeply.
He never met a stranger or a lottery ticket he couldn’t scratch, but he taught his children many important things, like family and friends, not money or things, make you rich.
At the end of every conversation, he always wished everyone, “Have a nice life.”
Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville and continued from 7:30 to 9:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at the funeral home. The Rosary was recited at 7:30 a.m.
Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Christ the Savior Catholic Church in Brewer, with Rev. Fred Wandera C.M. officiating.
Burial was at Christ the Savior Catholic Cemetery in Brewer with Military Honors provided by American Legion Post# 133 and the Delta Team.
Memorial contributions may be given for Family Use.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com .
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
