Leo John Kline, Jr. Dvm

Dr. Leo John Kline, Jr., 87, passed away suddenly on December 11, 2020, with his wife and family members at his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Leo Sr, sister Frances and twin sister Mildred. He leaves behind a loving, dedicated wife of 66 years, Barbara; two sons Leo III (Lori) and Kevin (Jill); three daughters Karen Kline (Robert Huff), Paula (Dave) Ross, and Carol (Dale) Novy; along with nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

"Doc," as many knew him, was born December 31, 1932, in Salem, Ohio. He graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1957 and opened the Graham Road Animal Hospital in 1960 in Stow, where a life devoted to his family, profession, and community took root.

Doc provided compassionate care to the furry friends of the community for 55 years. During this time, he was active in the Summit County Veterinary Medicine Association, served as the Summit County Fair veterinarian, and helped establish the Summit County Veterinary Emergency Clinic.

Doc became a passionate advocate for the community youth and youth sports shortly after starting his family in Stow. He coached basketball and baseball in the community programs for both boys and girls, and coached at the high school level at both Stow Munroe Falls and Cuyahoga Falls High Schools. In addition to coaching, he was a board member and long time President of Stow Youth Baseball. Doc had a vision of helping the youth in his community for years to come, which led him to work tirelessly to build the Stow Youth Baseball Hall and Field complex. Never one to seek out recognition, he was humbled and honored when selected for induction into the Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame as a recipient of the Speed Bosworth Award in 2001.

Accomplishing great things in life and sports requires the help of many. Doc and his family would like to sincerely thank every person who played a role, large or small, in allowing his dreams to become reality. Special thanks to his brothers-in-law, John and Joe Meissner, whose dedication to Doc's vision matched his own.

A private service for family has been held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dr. Leo (Doc) Kline Memorial Scholarship at www.stowschoolsfoundation.org/donations/donate/