Harry Ernest Donald David Danley Klinger's Obituary
Harry Ernest Donald David Danley Klinger, 89, died from a stroke on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the Willard Wallace Hospice Home in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Don was born on Dec. 18, 1934, in Sunbury, PA to Phoebe Elizabeth O'Conner Douty and Ernest Glen Danley. He was adopted by Luther and Ernestine Klinger and grew up in Pennsylvania. After graduating from Emmaus High School at 17, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served as an electrical crew chief in both the United States and Germany.
While in the service, Don married Mary Jo Kitchen and they had 5 children. Years later, after a divorce, he moved to Dallas Texas and met and married Phyllis Mayne. They were married for 46 years and lived in Dallas, Colorado, Florida and Arkansas.
Don worked at a variety of jobs but liked being self-employed best. He loved flying his airplane, driving fast cars, RVs, boats, zero-turn lawn mowers and tractors. He loved being on the move and loved spending time with family and friends. He excelled at whatever activity or sport that he undertook. He had an unapologetic sense of humor and spoke his mind. Some called him a John Wayne type of character.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Tamera, and several brothers and sisters. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Mayne Klinger, two daughters: Jo Donna Wallace (Brian), Dena Trask (Tim) and two sons: Rex Klinger and Brian Klinger, all of Tennessee. He is also survived by a multitude of brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He will be missed.
A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 29th at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
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