William F. Kline Hon

Judge William F. Kline, Jr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at The Lodge at Lane in Zachary. An only child, he was born on July 27, 1929 in Clinton, Louisiana and was doted upon by his parents and grandparents as they raised him in a loving, God-fearing home that shaped his abiding faith in God and deep love for family. He lived an idyllic childhood in Clinton before attending LSU where he received a BS in 1951 and a MA in Education in 1953. During his college days, he served as President of the Wesley Foundation and Methodist Youth Movement. He was a distinguished military graduate and member of Scabbard and Blade, an honorary military association. Upon graduation from LSU, he taught for two years at Clinton Junior High before fulfilling his military obligation in the United States Air Force. He served four years as a pilot, operations officer, and instrument flight examiner, attaining the rank of Captain during the Korean Conflict. Upon completion of his military service, he attended law school at Louisiana State University on the G.I. Bill. He served as President of the Student Bar Association, was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society and was selected by his classmates as the Outstanding Graduate of 1960. He practiced law in Clinton for 16 years before being elected as a judge in the 20th Judicial District in 1976, a position he held for the next 20 years. As a judge he was known for his humility, kindness, and fairness. Everyone left the courthouse believing that justice had been served. After retiring from the district court bench, he was appointed Judge Pro Tempore by the Louisiana Supreme Court to various jurisdictions in the state. He was appointed to multiple terms as a Judge Pro Tempore at the First Circuit Court of Appeals, eventually retiring at age 84. Throughout his career he was active in Boy Scouts, Dixie Youth baseball, United Way, University Methodist Foundation Board, and LSU Baseball where he served on the Coaches Committee during Skip Bertman's tenure. He was an active member of Clinton United Methodist Church his entire life. He lived his faith daily and always taught that "we are called to share our faith with others. They can either accept it or reject it, but one thing is certain - when we share our faith with others, they will never be the same... and neither will we." For 62 years he was married to Evelyn Goen Kline, his beloved wife and mother to their two sons. She passed away in 2013. She was his anchor and love of his life. His passing was on her birthday and All Souls Day, a special consolation for his family. He is also preceded in death by his parents, William F. Kline, Sr. and Willie D. Kline. He is survived by his two sons and their spouses: Billy and Donna Kline of Zachary and Kyle and Sharon Kline of Clinton; grandchildren: Chip and Emily Kline, Kaylan and Lee Ledet, Brad and Caroline Kline, Patrick and Elizabeth Kline, Kameryn and Adam Fevella and Jordan and Reilee Kline. He was also blessed with 17 great grandchildren who lovingly called him "Poppy" and who will miss him dearly. Visitation will be held at Clinton United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 8th from 9:00-11:30 followed by a memorial service conducted by Dr. Curtis Carroll, Reverend Ken Graham, and Reverend Harold Babin. He will be laid to rest in Rosehill Cemetery in a private family service. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make charitable donations may send them to Clinton United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 148, Clinton, LA 70722; St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Building Fund, 4727 McHugh Drive, Zachary, LA 70791 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Special thanks to all of his dedicated friends and to the staffs at Oakwood Village Assisted Living and the Lodge at Lane for their care and compassion during his final years.