Albert B. Kleb Jr.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

Albert was Born January 19, 1931, in Houston, Texas. He was baptized on February 15, 1931, and confirmed in his faith on March 25, 1945, both taking place at Immanuel Lutheran Church. He is preceded in death by his parents Albert B. Kleb, Sr. and Ella Werner Kleb, sisters Kathy Kleb Newman and Florine Kleb Lester and brother Melvin Kleb.

“Abbie” or “Coach Kleb” as he was affectionately known by friends and family is survived by his loving wife Virgina Kasper Kleb; their daughter Linda Ashbaugh and husband Steve Ashbaugh; son Alan Kleb and wife Michelle Kleb; and grandchildren Aiden and Conrad, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Abbie met his beloved wife Virginia in Houston, and they were married on June 4, 1960. They remained married for 63 years.

Growing up in the Houston Heights area of town, Abbie attended Immanuel Lutheran Church and graduated from Reagan High School in 1949. During his high school years, he achieved numerous athletic awards including being part of the State Champion Relay Team in 1949.

Abbie enlisted into the United States Air Force on December 29, 1950, and was assigned to the 3515th Combat Crew Training Squadron in Orlando, Florida. He was deployed to Korea, Japan, and finally Randolf Air Force Base in San Antonio before leaving the service in 1954. During his deployment in the Air Force, he was a star softball pitcher for every base team where he was stationed.

He then attended the University of Houston on a Track and Field Scholarship where Abbie graduated with a degree in teaching in 1957. During that time Abbie was a first-class athlete in track and field, winning numerous titles in the high hurdles.

Abbie began his career as a teacher and coach at Immanuel Lutheran School in Houston, Texas. He spent the next 9 years teaching and coaching there. He then took a job with the Houston Independent School District in 1967 at James S. Hogg Middle School where he would spend the next 32 years as a beloved head football coach, track and field coach, and teacher. Throughout his over 40 years of teaching, he altered the lives of thousands of students and athletes in the Houston Area. Many of them simply telling him years later, “Coach you saved my life”.

As an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Abbie served in many capacities including President of the Congregation and Chairman of the Board of Elders. His love for the Lord Jesus Christ and his family was at the center of his entire life.

Abbie had a tremendous love for the outdoors whether it was hunting, fishing or just watering the garden. His study of his family history became a hobby for him in his later years. He spent the last years of his life trying to pass his family history to as many descendants as he possibly could.

The viewing will be held at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Blvd. Houston, Texas 77008 between 5:00p pm and 8:00 pm on September 18, 2023. Funeral Services will be held September 19, 2023, at 10:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church located at 306 E. 15th Street in Houston. The Interment Service will take place at 11:30 am at Memorial Oaks Cemetery at 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas.

Pallbearers: Tommy Garman, Matthew Pettway, Brian Cook , Mark Froehlich, Robert Psencik, Keith Groeschel, Aiden Kleb, and Steve Ashbaugh

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Kleb family.