Harry Adolph Kling

Harry Adolph Kling, a devoted patriot and retired Major in the United States Marine Corps, passed away on February 2, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on January 30, 1935, Harry’s life was defined by his service to his country, his Catholic faith, and his devotion to family.

Harry’s remarkable career with the Marine Corps began on November 22, 1954, at Parris Island, South Carolina. Over the next 30 years, his career was marked by a rare and impressive trajectory, rising from the enlisted ranks of Private (E-1) to Sergeant (E-5), serving as a Warrant Officer, and eventually commissioning as an Officer, retiring at the rank of Major (O-4).

A man of many talents, Harry excelled in multiple facets of military aviation. He spent years as an Air Defense Control Officer, Bombardier/Navigator, and Attack Training Officer.

Harry served with distinction during the Vietnam War. As a Bombardier/Navigator with VMA(AW) 242, flying the A-6 Intruder out of Da Nang, his bravery under fire earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross and 13 Air Medals. He received many other citations, ribbons, crosses, medals, and awards for valor and meritorious service across his career.

Throughout his career, Harry was stationed across the globe, from the flight lines of MCAS El Toro and Cherry Point to overseas tours in Nagatsugi and Iwakuni, Japan. Whether he was on the drill field at MCRD San Diego as a Drill Instructor or serving as an XO in the Marine Wing HQ squadron 2, Harry led with discipline and integrity.

At the core of Harry’s character was a profound devotion to the Catholic faith, which guided his every action. A deeply spiritual man, he was a fixture at Mass and found great purpose in his faith. Beyond his personal faith, Harry was a generous philanthropist to the Catholic mission, supporting the church's work.

Outside of his uniform, Harry was an avid reader of sports and politics. In his later years, he became a dedicated fan of PBS murder mystery programs. After retirement Harry took great pride in his independence including doing his own yard work. Harry also possessed a sharp, competitive spirit; he was a formidable Cribbage and Trivial Pursuit player, often besting his children and grandchildren in friendly competition.

Of all his achievements, Harry’s greatest pride was his family. He cherished every opportunity to spend time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. Harry took every opportunity to visit loved ones in New York and Illinois. He leaves his family with a lifetime of precious memories.

A true Marine to the end, Harry’s life of service, honor, and devotion to his loved ones remains an enduring testament to a life exceptionally well-lived.

Harry was the beloved son of the late Adolph Martin Kling and Agnes Juliana Schneider. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcia Terry Kling.

He is survived by his children and their families: daughter, Yvonne Duncan of Virginia Beach, Virginia; granddaughter Genevieve Duncan and her partner, Andy McDonald, of Alexandria, Virginia; and great-grandson Keene Duncan-McDonald; son, Eric Kling and his wife, Michele Kling, of Raleigh, North Carolina; granddaughter Carina Hicks and her husband, Bryan Hicks, of Okinawa, Japan; great-grandson James Hicks; and granddaughter Kendall Kling of Raleigh, North Carolina; son, Brian Kling of Carrboro, North Carolina; granddaughters Noelle Kling of Clearwater, Florida, and Tori Kling of Augusta, Georgia and daughter, Jessica Kling Lidgett; grandchildren Hannah Lidgett, Elsa Lidgett, and Andrew Lidgett.

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 9, 2026 at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service, 186 Shelton Shop Road, Stafford, VA 22554 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel, 1701 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, VA 22172 at 12:30 PM. Interment will follow with military honors at National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA 22172.

The family extends special thanks to the Care team at CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Harry Kling to Annunciation Catholic Church, www.annunciationparish.org, where he was a devoted parishioner.