William Patton Kline

Born in Kansas City, Missouri on September 22, 1930, Bill was the son of Ruth Carr Patton Kline and Leonard Charles Kline.

Bill married Florence Puryear Logan on July 21, 1956. Bill and Flip knew one another from the time they were babies and shared nearly 68 devoted years of marriage. They lovingly raised and encouraged the pursuits of their three children: Carr, Peggy and Kim. They were actively interested in the lives of and enjoyed spending time with their 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Bill was excited about welcoming two additional great-grandchildren later this spring and summer.

Bill went to Bryant School and Pembroke Country Day School. He graduated high school from Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts. He attended Hobart College and graduated from the University of Kansas. While at KU, he completed ROTC Officer Training. Bill went to the University of Virginia School of Law where he earned a Juris Doctor.

After law school, Bill was a 1st Lieutenant in the Strategic Air Command. He was part of the Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG Corps), the military justice branch of the United States Air Force, at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Upon completing his military service, Bill and Flip moved back to Kansas City. They were soon blessed with the birth of their first child. Bill joined his father and brother as an insurance broker at Mann-Kline. Mann-Kline was later acquired by Marsh & McLennan. His specialty was aviation insurance. Bill felt a great sense of accomplishment having learned to fly and proudly displayed his cut tie draped over a plaque honoring his first solo flight. Bill’s professional career meant world travel to places like England, France and Saudi Arabia, which led to cultural exchanges and enduring friendships. Bill became a Managing Director of Marsh & McLennan and ran the Kansas City, Missouri office until his retirement.

Bill had many varied interests and hobbies. He raised a homing pigeon as a youth. He enjoyed scouting and was proud of having become an Eagle Scout. He was an athlete engaged in numerous sports including tennis, squash, riding, high school football, skiing and golf. He was always perfecting his golf skills. Most evenings, he could be found practicing his chipping in the backyard. He and his family took wonderful ski trips to Colorado. Bill was from a family of ranchers. His love of the land and the great outdoors led to a lifelong devotion to hunting, fishing and conservation. Bill and Carr had remarkable adventures fishing in Alaska and Canada and hunting in Wyoming. Bill loved animals, especially his dogs. Owning Variety Hill Farm with his brother Patton made for numerous memorable family weekends and special celebrations, including annual 4th of July celebrations shared with family and friends. He became a proficient beekeeper. The resulting honey was a treat to receive. Bill and Flip had a ranch near Douglas, Wyoming. Upon his retirement, Bill returned to his love of ranching and founded, with his son Carr, Chair Rock in Greely, Kansas.

Bill was actively engaged both civically and culturally. He was a supporter of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Children’s Mercy Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital and The First Tee of Kansas City. He was on the board of directors of Sunset Hill School. He was member of the board of governors of the American Royal. He was a director of the Boys Club of America. He was a member of the Rotary Club. Among others, he also served on the boards of American Bankcorporation, Inc. and Leawood National Bank. He was a member of the United States Seniors’ Golf Association and a Life Director of the Trans-Mississippi Golf Association.

Bill was a life-long member of The Kansas City Country Club where he served as President. He was also a member of Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado; Horton Duck Club; Old Baldy Club, Saratoga, Wyoming; The Carriage Club; The Kansas City Club; The Racquet Club; The River Club, The University Club and The Wismo Angling Club.

Bill was preceded in death by: His parents: Ruth Carr Patton Kline and Leonard Charles Kline; His older brother: Leonard Patton Kline (Jean) (Myrna)

Bill is survived by: His wife: Florence Puryear Logan Kline; His children: William Carr Kline (Loren), Margaret Logan Kline Rooney (Kevin) and Kimberly Patton Kline Aliber (Bill) and his American Field Service daughter from Switzerland: Suzanne Irène Erb; His 13 grandchildren: Logan Fowler Kline Gloe (Ben); Charlie Ann Kline Alberts (Brad); Chandler Carr Kline (Kayleen Hovey, fiancé); Adalaide Carr Kline; William Grant Kline (Tristan Burnam, fiancé); Angelika Patton Kline; Melissa Carr Kline; Ellison Patton Rooney; Caroline Logan Rooney; Thomas James Aliber (Ally); Julian Carr Aliber Dolle (Griffin); Johnathan William Aliber; Katherine Claire Aliber; His 4 great-grandchildren: Cameron Patton Gloe; Benjamin Luker Gloe, Jr.; Kellyn Grace Aliber; Lily Joanne Aliber; His niece and nephews and their families: Leonard Patton Kline, Jr. (Diana); Charles Lysle Kline (Charlotte); Laura Fennelly Kline Lazarus (Michael)

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Children’s Mercy Hospital, Department of Philanthropy, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO 64108 (website link below).

Celebration of Life Service: Saturday, May 18, 2024, 3:00pm, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 6401 Wornall Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64113. Live Streaming available at: www.standrewkc.org/watch