He was the only child born to Robert and Vala (McNabb) Kline. He grew up in Enid, Oklahoma during the depression. At a very young age, you could find Marvin pulling his little red wagon to the town library to load up on books to read. During his childhood, he held various jobs including working at his family’s dry cleaners, shined shoes, and maintained a paper route.
He graduated from Enid High School in 1953 and then served in the Air Force from 1953 to 1957. There he was a Staff Sergeant and a Radar Technician. He played shortstop for the Combined Armed Forces All Star Team which included several exhibition games against the New York Yankees. A treasured memory of that time was when Yogi Berra nicknamed Marvin “The Kid”. Marvin said it was a real thrill to play with the likes of Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, and Moose Skowron and to hit off Whitey Ford and Tommy Byrne. Also during his time of service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was very proud of being in the Air Force and serving his country.
He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1961 with a Bachelors in Physics, a Masters in Electrical Engineering and an ABT (all but the thesis) in Electrical Engineering. During his OSU days he was a member of the 1959 NCAA Baseball National Championship Team from Oklahoma State. To date, the only National Baseball Championship in OSU history. He was also a member and served as president of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at OSU.
After graduation from Oklahoma State University he went on to pursue his career as an electrical engineer. He worked 10 years at Texas Instruments in various roles. Also worked 3 years in sales at General Telephone which is now known as Verizon. His proudest accomplishment was being the Founder and Chairman of Linx Data Terminals, a technology manufacturing company serving industry and the community for over 40 years.
He married the love of his life and best friend Karen A Ludwig on August 19, 1961. He shared his life with her for over 57 wonderful years. He will be greatly missed by her and their beloved dog Freddie.
When he wasn’t with his soulmate Karen, then you could find him on the golf course! He played most of the top golf courses in the US and many in Europe. He loved to learn and was an avid reader.
He was a Protestant and will be forever remembered for his kindness and love for people and animals.
Marvin Dean Kline will have a viewing with Military Honors at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home 8011 Frankford Road Dallas, Texas on Friday March 22, 2019 from 1 PM to 2 PM. Then a Memorial Service immediately following the viewing at Highland Springs Retirement Village 8010 Frankford Road in the Willow Ridge Community Room from 2 PM to 4 PM.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please donate in Marvin’s honor to your local animal shelter.
DONATIONS
Your Local Animal Shelter
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0