Cline Sr., Harold E. 1932-2024 St. Joseph, Mo.
By NewsPress Now
Harold Eugene Cline Sr. passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, at the age of 92. Harold’s life was characterized by his dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, and his love for the outdoors.
He was born on April 28, 1932, to Morris and Birdie Cline, in Wallace, Missouri. The third of nine children, Harold grew up with a deep connection to rural life.
After honorably serving his country in the United States Army, he returned home to marry Helen Underwood on June 24, 1958, beginning a loving partnership that would last 66 years. Together, they built a large, close-knit family of seven children (including three sets of twins!) who would go on to bless them with multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He worked as a St. Joseph firefighter for four years, then enjoyed careers as a construction worker, and then as a truck driver for Z&G International before returning to his true passion for agriculture, spending much of his later life working on several area farms around the St. Joseph area.
Harold found great joy in his Christian faith and his family. An avid sportsman and outdoor lover, he spent countless hours hunting, fishing, tending to his garden, spending time with deeply loved dog companions, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. He also enjoyed going on numerous tractor cruises with his restored antique Allis-Chalmers tractors.
Harold’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched with his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Birdie Cline; brothers, A.J. and Raymond Cline; and sisters, Nina Bouge and Marceas Rentz.
He is survived by his loving wife, Helen; their children, Carrie (Gary) Greene, Sandra Hill (Loren Whitt), Sondra (Mickey) Kentzler, Shelly (Doug) Lawrence, Kelly (Stan) Michael, Cheryl (John) Fulk, and Harold (Melissa) Cline Jr.; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; his brother, Herb (Elizabeth) Cline; and sisters, Betty Gill, Martha White and Susie (Jim) Parker.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Harold’s life on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Rupp Chapel, followed immediately by funeral services officiated by Rev. James Kerns. Harold will be laid to rest at Blakely Cemetery, in Easton, Missouri.
Online condolence, obituary and public live stream at www.ruppfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
