Whitman James Kling Sr.

Whitman James Kling Sr. passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his immediate family, on Saturday, December 17th at the age of 90. After a long battle, he now rests in Peace. Born May 15th, 1926 in Dutchtown, he moved to Baton Rouge after high school where he was an employee of the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. With only a break to serve a tour in the Navy he worked for the ICGR until his retirement. Whitman was a member of St Patrick Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Big R club. Whitman worked with his sons and many young men as an Adult Leader of Boy Scout Troups 29 and 18. A quiet man who loved people, the outdoors and working with his hands, Whitman served his Country in War with his skills as a Navy Aviator Mechanic, his Church and Community with his service as a Eucharistic and Finance Minister and his Family with his love and patience. Preceded in death by his parents Robert and Alice’, his sisters Leona Dempsey and Gladys Theriot, brothers Robert John Kling, and Fellman Kling who were both also Veterans. He is survived by, wife Audra Duplessis, son Whitman and wife Dianne, son Michael and wife Margaret and his sister Agnes Richard and husband George, 5 grandchildren, Whitney Laird and husband Kevin, Courtney Campbell and husband David, Kyle Kling and Kayla Pellegrin, Robert Michael Kling and Gretchen Rothermel, and Teresa Kling, and 3 great grandchildren, Abram Laird, James Patrick Laird, and Virginia Campbell, and numerous nieces and nephews. Voted “Best Pere Pere in the World” by his grandchildren. Whitman loved his time with them, and was beloved by them in return.

The family would like to thank all of the Medical staff and care givers that helped to make his last years as comfortable and fulfilling as possible.

In Lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Visitation will be on Wednesday December 21st at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church located at 12424 Brogdon Ln. Baton Rouge, La 70816 starting at 10am and ending at 11:30am at which time a Mass of Christian Burial will be held Fr. Matthew Dupre’ will officiate. Burial will follow at Prairieville Community Cemetery. Under the direction of Ourso Funeral Home of Gonzales.

“Win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endured the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life had breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success.” Ralph Waldo Emerson