Lingard Francis Klein, a 21 year resident of West Palm Beach passed away May 9, 2022. He was 91 years old. He was born March 20, 1931 in Baltimore, Maryland, where he grew up working in his parents feed and grocery store.
He met Jacqueline Lester in 1950, who became his wife in November 11, 1951 and was married for 72 years.
After graduating from Mount Saint Joseph's College, Lingard went on to join the Air National Guard. He also received a "Letter of Acceptance," to sign on and play professional baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies. He declined, to continue working in the family business.
After taking over the business in 1969, with the help of his wife, they turned the business into a successful feed and saddlery. With exceptional work ethics, they opened two other stores and stocked feed and supplies to hospital labs, zoos, farms, etc. in the MD, DC, VA, PA & DE areas. After selling the business, they moved to Hilton Head, S.C., and then to West Palm Beach.
Lingard and his wife loved traveling, listening to music and dancing. He served on the board of WERA, (Western English Riding Apparel), and The Governors Club. He was the Secretary for Ocean Break Villas, Paradise Island, Bahamas for 15 years. He was also a 16 year member of the West Palm Beach Symphony and West Palm Beach Round Table.
Sports was Lingard's passion, whether to watch on TV or to play. He loved bowling, baseball, football, horse racing and was an avid golfer. He was known for his genial sense of humor and funny synonyms, which always brought light and laughter everywhere he went.
Lingard is survived by his wife Jacqueline; his son Michael Klein and his wife Judy, his daughter Kimberly Snyder and her husband Barry, three grandchildren, Kevin, Gina and Dominic, and four great grandchildren, Grayson, Carter, Caleb and Madilynn; and his niece, Paulette Drought and her husband David.
Celebration of Life service date is to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Peggy Adams Animal Rescue, 3200 North Military Trail #3100 West Palm Beach, FL 33409.
