Longtime baseball coach/supporter Justin Kline passes away
BEECH CREEK, PA – Justin S. Kline, 37, of Beech Creek, passed away Thursday, August 19, 2021 at UPMC Williamsport Hospital following his inspiring and courageous battle after being diagnosed with Leukemia in 2015.
He was born in Williamsport on February 26, 1984, the son of Rodney E. and Sally L. Miller Kline, who survive in Beech Creek.
Justin was a 2002 graduate of Central Mountain High School and later earned his degree in Sports Administration from Lock Haven University.
Justin’s greatest passion in life was the game of baseball. Always serving in a volunteer capacity, he was the past assistant coach of the Central Mountain High School baseball team and Beech Creek Legion baseball team. His most notable coaching accomplishment was his role as assistant coach to the 2011 Keystone Little League team that made their way to the Little League World Series in Williamsport. Even in the midst of his health battle, Justin’s determination led him to be the founder and current President of the Clinton & Centre County Baseball Hall of Fame. His devotion was an integral part to the growth of local youth baseball over the past decade and will certainly be felt for years to come.
Justin had a desire to serve as Mayor of Beech Creek since his teenage years. In 2008, he was honored to be elected in that capacity, serving two terms. After Justin’s health improved enough to where he could run again, he did so and was able to win the primary race earlier this year. He was looking forward to serving the Beech Creek community again.
The Grange Fair was an event that Justin and his family always looked forward to and he was honored to have been a past member of the Grange Fair Committee.
Justin’s journey through his health battle would have been impossible without the selfless devotion of his parents, Rod and Sally. Serving as parents, caretakers and assistants in all his endeavors, they walked each and every step with him. Their example of unconditional love will forever be impressed on all who witnessed it.
In addition to his loving parents, Justin is survived by two sisters, Christie (Eric) Hanna of Lock Haven and Jennifer Wise of Delaware; his paternal grandmother, Mary Kline of Blanchard; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Bradley Kline; his maternal grandparents, Donald and Freda Miller; and his paternal grandfather, Samuel Kline.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 4 P.M. at the Beech Creek Wesleyan Church, 217 Main Street, Beech Creek, PA 16822 with Rev. Alan Eckenroad officiating.
Private burial will be held at Blanchard Baptist Cemetery.
Friends and family will be received for a time of viewing from 12 noon until the time of the service.
Memorial contributions in Justin’s name may be made to the Clinton & Centre County Baseball Hall of Fame, c/o Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High Street, Flemington, PA 17745.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com
