Earl David Klein, 73, of Russell Springs, Kentucky

Mr. Earl David Klein, 73, of Russell Springs, Kentucky, passed away on February 26th, 2026 at his home. David was known for his quiet strength, warm demeanor, boyish grin and his love of storytelling.

Preceded in death by Father, Kenton Dwaine Klein, Mother, Vergie June Klein (Hicks), Sister, Nancy T. Schultz

Survived by Mother of his children & former wife, Wendy Garner, Son, Kenton David Klein (Jill), Daughter, Jacqueline Ann Barr (Casey), Granddaughter, Ashley Klein, Sister, Linda K. Joseph & Family, Sister, Susan E. Ford & Family, Sister, Katherine Diane Harrah (Tom) & Family, Dear & Close Loving Friend of 20 years, Teresa Goodman, Former wife, Irene McHone, sons Steven Dean Slusser, Scott Edward McHone and Jonathan Paul Klein, Former wife, Paula Jane Poulter

Also Survived by many wonderful nephews, nieces, extended family & friends both old and new.

David’s passion for life could be seen in his love of sports and especially loved the Cincinnati Reds Baseball, Cincinnati Bengals Football and OSU Football Teams. At one point in his life he was seriously considering trying out for the Reds, and we are quite sure he would have made the team as he was very athletically gifted. He also loved boating, skiing, fishing and camping on Lake Cumberland with his family in the summer. Collecting Guns and Target Shooting were another passion of his as he was an avid supporter of the 2nd Amendment. He enjoyed watching old Western flicks, especially those starring John Wayne. He loved to read and was fond of Clive Cussler books. He also enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved his children and grandchild very much and was very proud of them and their accomplishments. He loved attending Church in Russell Springs with his friend Jimmy, and quickly became friends with all of his neighbors. The one thing that made him the happiest though, was his constant companion, his beloved Australian Shepherd, Shadow. She was his best girl and he loved her dearly. She never left his side.

Born in LaFollette Tennessee, David was the 4th child of Kenton & Vergie Klein. He had 3 older sisters and soon another younger sister joined the bunch. The family picked up and moved to Dayton Ohio and David attended Wayne High School where he excelled in Football, Baseball and Track. His senior year of High School he worked Full Time as the Manager of a Shell Gas Station and would brag he was the only kid in high school with money in his pockets. After graduation, he met and married the mother of his children and became a proud father with his 1st child, his son Kenton David. He joined the Carpenters Union and went to work for ABCO construction company, a Beerman company that his father worked for. A few years later he had his 2nd child, his daughter Jacqueline Ann. He continued to work for the same company until his father’s retirement and decided to start his own company, Klein Construction. He worked tirelessly throughout all his years to build a good life for his family. He enjoyed physical labor, working with his hands and seeing buildings and projects come to life. He loved to see the fruits of his hard labor paying off.

When David decided to retire, he followed his heart back to where he was happiest-Lake Cumberland. It is where he fished with his own father as a child, where he taught his kids how to ski and bait a hook. Lake Cumberland held the key to his heart and he needed to go back.

The final few years of David’s life were trying, but also triumphant. He had his dream home by Lake Cumberland, his Aussie, his Church home and his new friends. He was content in life and thankful.

David was diagnosed with Cancer in September of 2025 and tackled it head on. He came out the other side of a major surgery and was healing and happy. In typical David fashion, he quietly endured and focused on the positive. He was just about finished with chemotherapy and ready to begin healing when the Lord called him home.

He will be greatly missed by all.

“When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in Victory.” “O’ death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

-1 Corinthians 15:54-57

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, 12:00 PM at Hicks Cemetery in LaFollette, TN with Rev. Zach Lloyd officiating. In the event of inclement weather, services will be held at Walters Funeral Home Chapel. Walters Funeral Home of LaFollette is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Earl David Klein.