Duane Kline

Duane Price Kline, 92 of Brentwood Drive, Newton passed away on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, NC. Born September 30, 1919 in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Fuller & Lillian Price Kline. Mr. Kline graduated from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, Ohio with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and later received his Masters degree from the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburg, PA. An accomplished trumpeter, Duane played in several bands throughout the area, and during World War II he was a member of the United States Army Band. Upon his graduation, he served on the staff of Columbia University for a short time and moved to Shawnee, OK, where he was a member on the music faculty of Oklahoma Baptist University. Later, he taught music at Greensboro Women?s College in Greensboro, NC. He then returned to Newton where he managed the Jessup Hosiery Mill in Claremont until his retirement. An avid University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill fan, Duane spent endless enjoyable hours following his beloved Tarheels and for years traveled with the team and attended most all of the UNC-CH basketball and football games as one of the team?s most devoted supporters. He also enjoyed hiking, sailing, cross-country skiing, camping with the Scouts, playing bridge and attending his coffee club each morning with his close-knit group of friends. Always the generous and quiet gentleman, Mr. Kline loved helping young people with their education pursuits. He especially enjoyed visiting local schools where he honored deserving student through the Terrific Kids Program as he served as an ambassador for the Newton Kiwanis Club, of which he was a lifetime member. Mr. Kline was also a loyal supporter of the American Field Service program for exchange students in the area and was a member of the Catawba Valley Executives Club. A fervent advocate and contributor to Gardner Webb University, he was awarded the Bulldog of the Year Award in 1992 & 1993. A member of First Baptist Church in Newton, he is survived by his wife of 64 years, Martha Jessup Kline of the home and a host of beloved friends. Mr. Kline wished to thank the staff and his dear friends at the Catawba Valley Living Center at Rock Barn, especially Russell Beaver and Betsy Wilmont who made his stays there so pleasant and enjoyable. He was especially appreciative of his long-time friend, Dr. Doug Miller, and the ICU staff at Catawba Valley Medical Center for the compassionate and dignified care which was extended to him. A Celebration of Mr. Kline?s Life will be held Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home in Newton. The Rev. Tim Wepner will officiate. Military rites will be provided by American Legion Post #16. The family will receive friends following the service. At his request, memorials may be made to the UNC-CH Athletic Scholarship Fund or the charity of one?s choice. Please sign the online guestbook at www.JenkinsFuneralHome.net. The Kline family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home in Newton.