Richard "Dick" Rudolph Klein, Jr.

Richard Rudolph Klein Jr., known as Dick, crossed over to heaven on Saturday June 6 about 10 AM without any breakfast. He’s probably upset about that. He had cancer. Dick Klein was born in 1940, in St. Louis, MO. He was the only child of Alma and Richard Klein. Richard Klein Sr. died suddenly when Dick was seven months old. Alma later remarried Calvin H. Reed. The family lived in North St. Louis County. Dick graduated from Ferguson High School in 1958. He subsequently earned a degree in structural engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, working in this field for his entire career. He continued working nearly full time until surrendering his professional engineer license in 2025. Dick married Eleanor Leigh Williams in 1960-something. No one quite remembers the specific day. They raised two biological children together, as well as various and sundry stray children as the need arose. Dick was deeply dedicated to his wife and children, ensuring the kids had good educational opportunities and grew up to be fairly reasonable and successful people. Dick and Leigh’s marriage ended in the late 80’s, and Dick went on to form a loving and lasting marriage to Georgia Ann Sprague. Together they indulged and spoiled two pretty good grandkids. 

Dick served in ROTC in college, but was not accepted in the military due to flat feet. While his family is convinced this was a blessing, Dick somewhat regretted missing the opportunity to serve his country. Instead, he was dedicated to his community and served in many other capacities: Indian Princesses and Girl Scouts with his daughter in St. Louis, and Boy Scouts with his son; swim team volunteer for both kids; pine derby and go carts with his son; dance with his daughter; and music lessons and marching band with both kids. As an empty nester he served on the Board of Directors at Harvesters, belonged to Friends of the Symphony, and served for a year as President of the Kansas City Symphony Alliance. He volunteered for many years with the Symphony Show House, and took on the responsibility of operations manager. He held season tickets for the Kansas City Symphony every year, and marveled at the Symphony’s growth and success over the last 30 years. He was an engaged member of Old Mission United Methodist Church, followed by many more years as a dedicated member and frequent volunteer for Village Presbyterian Church. He did handyman work with Front Porch Alliance. He helped deliver food weekly for Shawnee Community Services. Neighbors and even random strangers benefited from his attention and generosity. 

Dick had a passion for mid-century British sports cars. He attended racing school in St. Louis in the 1960’s, and never drove a car like a normal person ever again. He raced cars on an amateur basis in the greater St. Louis area, usually not winning unless winning means being around temperamental old cars. He was a member of the St. Louis South County Sports Car Club, the Sports Car Club of America, and the Kansas City Austin-Healy Club. He was a founding member of the 9-0-5 Club, named for a St. Louis area liquor store, convening meetings at precisely 9:05. Dick’s kids remember many car-sick rallies of SCSCC and 9-0-5. Dick insisted both his children learn to drive manual transmission cars and know how to change tires. He taught his son to weld but for some reason never trusted his daughter with a blow torch. 

Dick and Georgia traveled together extensively during their 20+ years of marriage. Together they visited Europe, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Panama, and many other places. Dick loved both mountains and ocean, skiing and snorkeling. As a veteran world traveler herself, Georgia took Dick all over the world, and he loved every minute. Dick was endlessly fascinated with new places and new people. He certainly loved the food. His favorite trip was with Georgia and friends on a canal boat touring the British countryside. This trip was fondly remembered at many family gatherings. 

Dick was a hoarder. We’re all crazy in our own special ways, and hoarding was Dick’s way. This included cars, car parts, tools, candy, plastic containers, unfinished impossible projects, plaid flannel shirts, and friends. As a licensed engineer, he was obligated to maintain records of all the projects he signed oƯ on, and this seems to have been the seed behind his reluctance to part company with anything or anyone else. Dick may not have talked to some of his friends for many years, but the conversation picked up right where it left oƯ, however many decades ago. Dick told his doctors he liked to fix things, but the truth is he didn’t really. He liked things that needed fixing. No project was too hopeless. But if anything had ever actually been fixed, he would have been sad. Nothing irritated him so much as the fact that the new washing machine actually works as intended by the manufacturer. 

Dick’s family is so grateful for the many things he introduced us to, from music to theater to food to each other. He leaves behind not just family but an entire community of people and institutions. We know he’s in heaven now. If anyone earned a place there, it was Dick. We know he’s kicking the tires, advising God Almighty as to the structural integrity of the Pearly Gates (pearl is not a structurally sound building material, nor is gold a sound paving option), and making sure no food is wasted and no miracle is unappreciated. We love you Dick, Dad, Grampa, Sweetheart, Good Buddy. Can’t wait to see you again. 

A service for Dick will be held at Village Presbyterian Church on Tues. June 23 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Front Porch Alliance. https://frontporchalliance.org/ 

And please clean your plate, take your leftovers home and eat them, and love all others as well or better than you love yourself.