Jesse Lee Klinginsmith

J Lee Klinginsmith

J Lee Klinginsmith, 88, of Unionville, MO, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, October 11, 2016.

Jesse Lee Klinginsmith was born in the Lucerne area of Putnam County, MO, on April 30, 1928, the son of Jesse Jacob and Emma Ann (Newell) Klinginsmith, who preceded him in death. He was reared in that part of Putnam County and graduated from Lucerne High School in 1947. J Lee met June Carter of Unionville and they were married in Trenton, MO, on December 17, 1949, and she survives at home.

J Lee and June began married life on a farm west of Unionville where they started their family. Years passed and they then bought a farm in Sullivan County, MO, in 1961 and lived there for four years. They then returned to Putnam County after J Lee received electronics training in Brookfield and then later he opened an electronics repair shop in Lemons. J Lee’s one priority and love was to serve his community, and did that in several capacities. He became a charter member and employee with the Putnam County Ambulance District. In 1971, J Lee began working with Skelgas in Unionville and eventually became manager, serving in that role for a number of years. He and June retired to an 87-acre farm south of Unionville in 1991 where he continued his love of farming. J Lee drove a school bus for a number of years in his retirement, where he was found transporting several of his grandchildren to school and other activities. He was well known for his eagerness to share a hug and a warm smile, with so many. The years he was an employed at Comstock Funeral Home, Luscan Funeral Home and Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, all in Unionville, many experienced his heartfelt affection.

J Lee enjoyed tinkering with tractors and doing other mechanic work. He was an avid croquet player since childhood. He enjoyed watching western movies and TV shows. He and June enjoyed traveling and took memorable trips to Alaska and Washington. J Lee had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a member of the Unionville First Christian Church and served as an elder. J Lee liked to work, but he loved his family.

Other survivors include his children: Gail (Sally) Klinginsmith of Wichita, KS, Nancy (Sam) Jones, Doug Klinginsmith, Ann (Bruce) Baughman, Paula (Paul) Smith of Lucernce, MO, Ranae (Curtis) Shields, all of Unionville, MO, and Donna (Richard) Roof of Booneville, MO. J Lee is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, as well as two brothers, Neal (Carol) Klinginsmith of Longview, WA, and Art “Jake” Klinginsmith of Burbank, WA; and two sisters, Dora King of Green City, MO, and Barbara (Jim) Morris of Kansas City, MO.

J Lee was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Don Bruce, brother-in-law, George King and sisters-in-law Emma Jean Klinginsmith and Janis Klinginsmith.

Funeral services for J Lee Klinginsmith will be held at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 10:00 am on Friday, October 14, 2016, with visitation from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 13. Interment will be at the Lucerne Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the PC Café and Resource Center or to the Shiloh Christian Youth Home and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.