By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
14 Comments
  • Visitation

    Memorial Visitation:

    Saturday, August 7, 2021

    9:00 am to 12:00 noon

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

    • Full Obituary

      Kenneth B. “Kenny” Cline, 70, of Highland, IL, passed away Friday, January 8, 2021 at Highland Health Care.

      Kenny was born July 3, 1950, to Wayne and Eleanor (nee Burle) Cline in Alton, IL.

      He grew up in Edwardsville, graduating from Edwardsville High School in 1968.  He married Lucy File of Old Ripley; and they divorced in 1982.  He married Marsha A McCune of Troy on August 18, 1984.

      Kenny served in the United States Army as a helicopter repairman and mechanic, from November 1970, to November 1971, earning the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars; National Defense Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Aircraft Crewman Badge; Marksman (Rifle).  He was awarded an Honorable Discharge in May 1976.

      After his discharge, he worked at various professions including FS in Greenville, Greenville Livestock, Bond County Jail and Circle W Tire in Greenville.  He became a professional long-haul truck driver, then drove for local companies; Affton Trucking, Zobrist Bus Lines, and Beelman Trucking.

      Kenny became a member of the VFW Post 1117 in Caseyville in 1984.  After transferring to Highland VFW Post 5694, he became active in several positions; including Post Commander, Honor Guard and Color Guard.  For many years, he proudly constructed the mock cemetery for Memorial Day ceremonies.  He also served as the State of Illinois Assistant POW/MIA Director.  He was very proud of his military background and service to the VFW.

      All who knew him would remember he loved getting his hands dirty tinkering with engines and tractors.  He was always willing to lend a hand wherever he could, he never knew a stranger and had a ready smile.

      He is survived by his wife, Marsha Cline, Highland, IL; son, Brandon (Misty) Cline, Ashland City, TN; grandchildren, Logan, Ryan and Ethan Cline and Izzibelle Heck all of Ashland City, TN; brothers-in-law, Charles McCune Jr., Frederick Neal Sr., Kevin Christeson; sisters-in-law, Retha Cline, Maureen Neal, Ellen Oswalt; nephews, Fred McCune, Frederick Neal Jr., Richard (Sierra) Neal; nieces, Jeanette Cline, Krystle (Josh) Huelsmann, Brandy (Dave Good) Adkins, Regina Trimmer; great-nephews, Thomas Huelsmann, Jacob Huelsmann, Raiden Neal, Anthony Sisk, Logan McCune, Cameron McCune, Charles Trimmer, Jaxson Hollinsworth; great nieces, Harmony Adkins, Allison Sisk, Kaysha Good, Scarlett Trimmer, Kaylie McCune; many loved cousins and friends.

      Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Eleanor Cline; infant son, Kenneth Cline Jr.; brother, Wayne Cline Jr.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Adele McCune.

      In accordance with his wishes, he was cremated.

      Memorials may be made to the Highland VFW Post #5694.

      Memorial Visitation:  Saturday, August 7, 2021, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

      Interment:  Saturday, August 7, 2021, 2:00 pm, Valhalla Memorial Gardens, Belleville, IL

      Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    14 Condolences
     
    1. Mary beth Broughton / January 8, 2021 at 8:41 pm

      I’m so sorry to hear of Kenny’s passing. He was a good person with a great heart. Sandra Thomas and I will miss him very much. He was a great friend. Always had a smile and a wave. Would always say don’t behave. That there is no fun in behaving. Sandy, my roommate at the nursing home, will miss him. My thoughts prayers and love hugs goes to Marsha. Z

    2. Sharon Klostermannn / January 9, 2021 at 11:20 am

      My sympathy to you, Marsha. Kenny was Phil’s roommate at the nursing home. Since I was a pt there, also for 11 days, I would see him and say “Hi”, as I would be walking in the hall. I’m so sorry for your loss.

    3. Mary Lee / January 10, 2021 at 6:56 pm

      Marsha, so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

    4. Chuck and Coleen Zeisset Jr / January 10, 2021 at 7:12 pm

      Marsha, thank you so very much for calling me. You both are our best friends. I had so many good times in the quanset hut working on cars we both had going on before we sold you guys that place. Both Kenny and I’d give each other’s shirts off our backs for each other. It made me so sad how his condition deteriorated his life. I’ll never forget when I painted your bumpers was the last I seen him at the home place… I’ve asked him if he can see my Ozzie from the other side to get him to come home…
      Chuck and Coleen Zeisset Jr

    5. Sue Messerli / January 11, 2021 at 8:26 am

      Marsha, I am so sorry for your loss. Kenny and I would visit in PT while visiting my friend, Tina. We would reminisce all the times when Lenny was living and the VFW events. He would also recall Lenny red pick up truck. I bet he has joined Lenny and the other VFW members for a quick round.

    6. C Wilson / January 11, 2021 at 9:09 am

      To the CLINE FAMILY in their time of grief, I’m truly sorry for your loss. May ‘God’ give you peace and comfort during this most difficult time. (Psalm 4:8)

    7. Charmaine Adair / January 12, 2021 at 3:47 am

      My heart goes out for you. I am truly sorry for your lost.I wish I would had a chance to meet Kenny . I hope he’s having a good In heaven.Hi prayers go out there for you and your family Your friend Always , Jim and Charmaine Adair

    8. Gina Poehling / January 12, 2021 at 8:46 am

      Marsha,
      I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s been a long time but I remember Kenny always smiling, laughing and joking at the VFW. I ran into him last year at the nursing home when I visited my mom; still smiling.

    9. Sherry Fletcher / January 12, 2021 at 2:44 pm

      Marsha, so sorry to hear about Kenny. I always enjoyed visiting him at the nursing home when I visited my mom right next door. He always enjoyed the treats I brought him. If mom got something, so did Kenny and he always appreciated it and thanked me. He was always smiling and so pleasant to talk to. No one wants to be in a nursing home but Kenny seemed to make the best of it and I never heard him complain. May you be comforted by your happy memories and May they give you peace.

    10. Jo-Ann M Steiner / January 12, 2021 at 2:57 pm

      May your memories bring you comfort and peace. My deepest Sympathy to you and your family.

    11. Bev Darbyshire / January 13, 2021 at 10:35 am

      Marsha and family
      So very sorry for your loss. Kenny was a great guy. Always with a smile. My prayers for comfort and peace

    12. Donna Courtney Grable / January 17, 2021 at 4:07 pm

      Kenny was my neighbor when he was growing up. He was a kind, thoughtful, and loving person. I remember cutting grass, one day when I saw a snake, I ran and left the lawnmower running. I yelled Kenny, “Come help me, there is a snake out there.”. Of course, he came, the snake was gone but the lawnmower was still running.. He was so thoughtful and knew I was scared, he finished cutting my grass. I often visited with him at the nursing home when i came on Wednesdays to get my hair done. He was still the same sweet person he had always been. He will be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    13. Mary L. Heeren / January 21, 2021 at 3:25 pm

      Marsha – was so sorry to hear about Kenny’s passing. We always looked forward to seeing and visiting with you guys when we were at the VFW on Fridays for fish. Hopefully, we’ll be back at the VFW to eat (inside!) very soon and will see you there!. Keep in touch –

    14. Kathy Harrison / February 14, 2021 at 8:25 am

      Marsha. I’m so very sorry to hear about Kenny. I just found out. Please, if you need anything, just let me know. Thinking about you❤️

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