Kenneth Wayne Cline

Kenneth Wayne Cline – a hard working, generous family man who worshipped God with both his words and deeds – passed away on May 31, 2020 surrounded by his loving wife of almost 59 years, Carol Matthews Cline, and other loved ones after a long battle with cancer. He was 81. Born May 13, 1939 in Lindale, Texas to Claude and Gertrue (Perryman) Cline, After graduating from Lindale High School in 1957, he began his journey to become a Professional Engineer (P.E.). He graduated with an Associates of Engineering from Tyler Junior College before becoming a Texas Tech Red Raider. During his time at Texas Tech University, he was called to active duty for the Berlin Wall Crisis with the 49th Armored Division of the Texas National Guard stationed at Ft. Polk, Louisiana. After working for the Texas and Louisiana Highway Departments for 10 years, he received his P.E. certification through exam and experience. He demonstrated his unfailing work ethic while working at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and serving as County Engineer for Smith and Harrison counties before retiring in 2000. He continued his dedication to hard work by starting his own consulting firm which he actively ran for 20 years. He was recognized as an authority in the field of engineering and presented the methods and procedures he used as county engineer for many professional engineering organizations. He was named the Urban County Engineer of the Year by the National Association of County Engineers in 1999, and he is the first and only county engineer from Texas to receive this award. He was wise beyond his education and experience, and people of all ages and stations in life sought his advice and benefited from his counsel. His selfless spirit and willingness to help anyone in need was illustrated by years of service to the community in which he lived. A devout follower of Christ and leader in his church, he was called to share his talents: serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and children’s church director with his wife for over 40 years. He donated his engineering knowledge and skills to nearby churches and missions by drafting master plans and volunteering as general contractor to create spaces for fellowship. He also constructed a softball field on his property in the Red Springs community that was enjoyed by men, women, boys, and girls from a 100 mile radius for over 13 years. He was elected to the Lindale ISD School Board in 2011 and maintained his seat for the last 9 years proudly supporting the Lindale Eagles students and teachers. He pulled chains for Lindale High School football games for years and was a lifetime member of the Lindale alumni association where he served as the VP of Programs. He was an active member of the Lindale Masonic Lodge where he received his 50 year award for service. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife, Carol Jeanne Matthews Cline of Lindale, Texas; his children Tammy and Gilbert Naizer, Lisa and Andy Bellah, and Darrell and Teri Cline; his grandchildren Susan Naizer, Brian and Mary Naizer, Amanda and Michael Beardshaw, Michael Naizer, John and Tawny Naizer, Ashley Bellah, Nathan Cline, Daniel Cline, Jacob Cline, and Emily Cline; his great-grandchildren Lilianna Naizer, Elijah Naizer, and Bellah Beardshaw. He is also survived by his siblings Claudie Thompson, Robert Cline, and Syble Glasscock. Serving as pallbearers will be Kenneth’s grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Lindale ISD Board Members. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2020 at the Performing Arts Center at Lindale High School. A private family interment will follow at Red Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 5, 2020 at Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home in Lindale. The family has requested that mask be worn during the visitation. In Lieu of flowers the family has ask that donations be made to, The Texas Baptist Home For Children, P.O. Box 309, Waxahachie, Texas 75168, tbhc.org or to the Jacksonville College General Fund, 105 B.J. Albritton Dr. Jacksonville, Texas 75766, jacksonville-college.edu IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 restrictions required by the CDC and Gov. Greg Abbott, please be aware there are limitations on occupancy to both funeral services and visitations. Please remember to practice social distancing and wearing a mask is highly suggested at the funeral service and required at the visitation per family’s request. Register books may also be signed on our website, CRDFH.COM

Kenneth Wayne Cline

May 13, 1939 - May 31, 2020