Bruce Leffingwell Kline

Kline, Bruce Leffingwell 92, Doctor of Humanities, died peacefully at home in Wichita, KS, on March 23, 2017. Born April 17, 1924 in Evanston, IL, he was the seventh of eight children of Reverend George and Carrie (Dake) Kline. In 1944, he married Kneldrith (Kay) Harden. They celebrated 73 years of marriage in January. Dr. Kline began his career in Christian education in 1945 at Wessington Springs College in SD. In 1964, he was named President of Central College in McPherson, KS where he completed a tenure of 17 years. In 1980, he became Secretary of Higher Education and the Ministry for the Free Methodist Church of North America, until retirement in 1994. Bruce and Kay's hearts for ministry led them to volunteer for 25 years of service to the Hungarian Evangelical Church of Hungary, and the presidency of its John Wesley Theological College Senate. Bruce often said his riches were his family and he cherished each one - five children, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kay; his children, Bruce E (Leora) Kline of Dayton, Frank (Rhonda) Kline of Seattle, Carolyn (Pat) Gaughan of Wichita, Miriam (Willis) Overholt of Wichita, Celeste (Gary) Cranston of Seattle; grandchildren, April Kline (David Bush), Jonathan (Jackie) Kline, Karly (Eric) Marshall, Kerri Kline, Lauren (Daniel) Scislowski, Erin (Mike) Visitacion, Joshua (Rachel) Zahniser-Cranston, Dan Overholt, and Elise (Tyler) Merrill-Cranston; great-grandchildren, Kayla and Hanalei Bush, Levi Kline, Bridget Lindberg, PoppyNoel Marshall, and Zoe Scislowski; and sister, Rosemary Stickney of Phoenix. His Memorial Service will be at 3 p.m. Monday, April 17, at Northwest Free Methodist Church, 3224 N. Tyler Rd, Wichita. Memorial gifts may be made to Central Christian College, 1200 S. Main, McPherson, KS 67460.