Eldon Klein November 15, 1931 - April 13, 2024
Collinsville, Illinois - Eldon Eugene Klein, age 92 of Collinsville, IL, born November 15, 1931 in Greenville, IL, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital in Plano, TX with family by his side.
Eldon graduated from Collinsville Township High School in 1949 and soon after was drafted and honorably served in the United States Army Signal Corps during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. Following his service, Eldon graduated from SIU Carbondale with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 1957. He went on to work for Ralston Purina for 30 years. During those same years, he owned and operated Klein Bookkeeping Service in Collinsville, IL until 2010. Eldon and his first wife Jennifer also operated Klein Tours offering senior citizen bus tours from 1981 to 1995.
Eldon was a member of First Baptist Church, in Collinsville serving on numerous boards, committees, and was the director of youth camp for over 10 years. Additionally, Eldon and Jennifer sponsored the Keenagers Senior Citizen program for over 16 years. Eldon loved bowling, golfing and ice skating. He was an avid Blues hockey fan and also enjoyed watching baseball, football, golf and soccer. Eldon also enjoyed traveling globally with his second wife Claudette, when possible.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Klein and Janis (nee Gleichman) Layher; first wife, Jennifer (nee Krause) Klein, who passed away on January 23, 2003; and second wife, Claudette (nee Grisetti) Klein, who passed away on October 31, 2023.
Surviving are his two children: Erik (Laura) Klein of Plano, TX and Kendra (Scott) Carson of Ft. Myers, FL; three grandchildren: Bryce (Megan) Carson, Alison (Zach) Frey, and Abigail (Grant) Hester; five great-grandchildren: Brynn and Blair Carson, Collins and Hadley Frey, and Baby Hester due in August; two sisters: Donna Howells of Sycamore, IL and Judy Heath of Carrollton, TX; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Also surviving are Claudette’s three children: Mark (Pam Evans) Adams and Lori Adams both of Collinsville, IL and Stacy Adams of Ft. Myers, FL; 9 grandchildren: Lauren Adams-Williamson, Danelle Adams, Justin Adams, Gabe Adams, Ronnie Smith, Lezli Gale, Matthew LaFrank, Mason Eads, and Colin Eads; 11 great-grandchildren: Sadie, Carter, Cameron, Lily, Memphis, Eta, Tegan, Keely, Jaycee, Avery, and Lincoln.
Visitation and Celebration of Life service will be held at First Baptist Church, 723 St. Louis Road, Collinsville, IL. As final arrangements are being made, please refer to Barry Wilson Funeral Home’s website for final details.
Burial with military honors will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Fairview Heights, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.