Ricky J. Kline, 53, of Indianapolis, Ind., and formerly of Ligonier, Ind., passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning, Sept. 29, 2013.

He was born May 31, 1960, the son of Oscar Edward and Marguerite Irene (Randol) Kline in McCray Hospital. On Sept. 29, 1991, he married Patricia G. Collins; she survives.

Rick was a 1979 graduate of West Noble High School and later earned a degree in Mortuary Science from Mid-America College of Funeral Service. He was a member of the Pi Sigma Eta National Morticians Fraternity.

During his career, he worked for and assisted in many area funeral homes including Billings Funeral Home, Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Ulrey-Renner Funeral Home, Brazzell Funeral Homes, Walkerton Funeral Home,  MC Smith Funeral Home and Yeager Funeral Home as well as many others. He owned and operated Kline Funeral Home in Millersburg, Ind., until 2009. Rick had been a Jehovah’s Witness for 42 years.

Rick had a sincere passion for people and was always willing to lend his time and talents to anyone he could help. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife: Patricia G. Collins; his children: Ian, Gia, Kia, and Patrick; one grandchild: Kaci Rae; siblings: Karen (Charles) Anglin, Cromwell, Ind.; Calvin (Julie) Kline, Syracuse, Ind.; and Randy Kline, Ligonier.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Kenny Kline; and a sister: Connie Parsons.

Visitation will be from 11 a.. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier. A funeral service is to follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery in Ligonier.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family for his son, Patrick’s, education.