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John Kline Obituary
1919-2015
John William Kline, a retired major general in the United States Air Force and an acclaimed amateur golfer, died peacefully in San Antonio on Friday, July 2, 2015, at 96.
Kline was born in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1919, attended Ohio University, joined the Army Air Corps and received his wings and commission in 1941. He met and married Katherine Edmond Winton in 1942.
In golf, he was ranked in the Top 10 Senior Amateurs five times, inducted into the Senior Amateur Hall of Fame, and had a tournament named in his honor. In all, he won 29 tournaments, was runner-up in another 40, had 11 holes-in-one and first shot his age at 66.
In his military career he was known for his brilliance as a strategist and problem solver. In 1945 he was sent to Germany, where he helped plan the Berlin Airlift. He created the Command Post for Strategic Air Command Headquarters in Omaha, set up the red telephone system, and planned the international airborne alert. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he was in command of ninety B-47 aircraft on alert to bomb Cuba if so ordered. In 1966 he was vice commander of the 3rd Air Division that commanded the B-52 bombing in Vietnam. He was awarded the Legion of Merit (four times) and the Distinguished Service Award, among others.
He is survived by three daughters, Susan Morehead, Flora Creighton and Liz Kline, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandsons.
A graveside service is scheduled for 1:30 pm on Thursday July 9 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio 78209. A reception will follow at The Towers on Park Lane.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Kline
stanley
December 12, 2024
I'm his great great grandson (stanley) and i think he was pretty awsome.
Sinclair Black
July 2, 2022
What an honar to know this great man, an impressive leader, family man, golfer, military hero, and he tolerated me. I as most impressed by how articulate he was when called upon to speak.
Tim Swearingen
July 13, 2017
Colonel Kline was the guy who taught me how to caddy...first he took me out to shag took me out and had me retrieve his wedge work, I was 13 yrs just me and him in the Western Mass gloaming..he had Ben Hogan equipment and two shag bags full of still shiny Ben Hogans most of which landed at my feet...he'd call out "left" or right"maybe 10 ft wide such a man firm but flexible knew how to laugh with his steady gaze and ready warm smile I'll never forget him...wish I had his swing
I know we were better for having him around..and I did kiss one of his daughters..R.I.P.
Peter Smith
July 19, 2015
It was a privilege to get to know "The General" as we called him. A good guy AND a good man, with three great daughters to whom I send all my thoughts, admiration and care.
Maj. Gen. John W. Kline, USAF
Steven McGourty
July 13, 2015
General Kline was a good Man and Commander. He was Vice Commander 2nd Air Force at Barksdale AFB, LA. I too k care of his Command care, he allowed me to go to Europe with him in 1971. God Bless him he will be missed.
July 10, 2015
One of the nicest men I have ever met. Enjoyed playing golf with him at Oak Hills and would choose as my most favorite partner. My sympathy to all his family and many friends.
Dr. John Calland
Christy Cowan
July 8, 2015
So sad to hear about this, but what an amazing life he had!! Our thoughts are with you all. Love from your NC family...Brent, Christy, Bryn, Reese, and Grandma Myra.
Leann Brookshire
July 8, 2015
Sending prayers for the family and celebratory thoughts of this great man. Thank you for supporting him through his service to our country.
July 8, 2015
All of the Kliers adored "the General." We were pleased that recently he happily celebrated his birthday with all of his beautiful daughters, grandkids and great grandkids who doted on him. His legacy lives on. Love from Betje & Paul, Thresher & Martelle & kids
william Gilliam
July 8, 2015
What a model of greatness and humility!
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