Robert E. Klein

     Robert E. Klein, 93, of Avon Lake passed away January 1, 2019 at the Avon Oaks Nursing Home following a short illness.

     Mr. Klein was born November 22, 1925 in Elyria, the son of Edward and Ruby (nee Reisinger) Klein. He was a 1943 graduate of Elyria High School.

     He was a decorated Navy and U.S. Coast Guard veteran. He served as a Navy Petty Officer/Signalman in the Pacific Theater including the Philippines, Korea, and China, and along with 1247 other crew members sailed over 30,000 miles. He earned Navy Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, four Combat Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, China Service Medal, China War Memorial Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and National Defense Medal. He was also initiated into the Domain of Neptunus Rex.

     After leaving the Navy, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard to continue his service to his country as a First Class Petty Officer/Radioman. He received the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal. He left the military in 1952.

     Mr. Klein married Audrey Hicks on January 20, 1951 and they raised their five children in Lorain.

     He retired on December 31, 1982 from Fisher Body-General Motors in Elyria as a payroll accountant. He had also worked at Bendix-Westinghouse, US Steel, Ford Motor Co., Star Bakery and National Life Insurance Co.

He enjoyed music, exercise, casinos, sports and sight seeing driving tours.

     He is survived by his daughters; Karen A. (Ronald) Thielman, Susanne L. Klein both of Lorain, sons: Robert W. (Deborah) Klein of Vermilion, William E. Klein of Lorain, grandchildren: Melanie Klein, Robert Klein, Allison Kenzik, 2 great grandchildren, and son-in-law Fred Dougan of Elyria.

     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey J. (nee Hicks) Klein in July of 2000, his daughter Barbara Dougan in April 2017, and step-father, Walter Kline.

     Per his instructions, there will be no visitation. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 1:30 PM in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Rittman, with full military honors provided by the United States Navy.

     The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to Valor Home, 221 W 21st St, Lorain, OH 44052.

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