William Joseph Kline (a.k.a. Billy, Papa, Billy Jo) passed away peacefully on June 26, 2018 at the Nebraska VA Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 71 years after a battle with cancer.

He was born June 8, 1947 in Belleville, Kansas, son of the late William A. & Lola M. (Brant) Kline.

In 1964 Billy entered the United States Navy. After his military service he worked as a private contractor for the United States Postal Service for almost 30 years.

Billy was an avid fisherman, hunter and jokester. He enjoyed spending time at the cabin, where all the children called him "Papa" and where his skills as a master fisherman were apparent. He loved teaching and taking others fishing or showing them how to catch the "Big Ones", as well as sharing the tradition of "The Can." He also enjoyed taking long drives in the country, tending his garden, baking, and especially loved the Bubble Bee cruises along the Harlan County Reservoir Dam.

Billy loved his Kansas Wildcats and never missed watching a game or passed up an opportunity to attend a game with his cousin, Frank Kline.
He was a devoted husband and a loyal friend who accepted everyone and anyone for who they were, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Loretta, and his daughter, Becky Reed, both of Phillipsburg, KS; his son, Bobby Kline of Colorado; a stepdaughter, Misty St. John of Minden, NE; four grandchildren and many step-grandchildren; two sisters, Jeannie Bruning of Phillipsburg and Roxie Walbridge of Grove, Oklahoma; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.


Cremation was planned. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 9, 2018 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating.

Friends may sign the book from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral chapel.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children's Hospital.