Dr. Raymond “Ray” Milton Kline, 86, died Sunday, May 31, 2015.

Ray had an enthusiastic approach to life and was blessed with patience, benevolence, and a zeal for learning and discovery—traits that served him well as a talented engineer, devoted professor, adoring husband, and loving father.

Born February 25, 1929, Ray grew up near Goodfellow and West Florissant in St. Louis. He graduated high school from Beaumont High where he excelled in math and physics. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physics and electrical engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla (Missouri University of Science and Technology), his masters of science in physics from Iowa State University, and his doctorate in electrical engineering from Purdue University.

During the course of his career, Ray spent eight years as a senior systems engineer, first in Long Island N.Y. and then at McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis, where he had a part of designing the Mercury space vehicle, which resulted in the first American in space. 

Ray served more than 40 years as an electrical and computer engineering professor at Washington University.  During his tenure, he authored several textbooks, oversaw the research of six doctoral candidates and 10 masters of science students, and was a two-time winner of the Washington University Engineering Professor of the Year award.

Ray was a charter member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He was committed to his faith and strove to lead an exemplary life of Christ-like love and generosity.

Although Ray was embattled during his last few months on earth, friends and family take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace and at home with his Savior.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Marian Kline as well as his parents, Milton Perry Kline and Marie Jaeger.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne Black Kline; his four children, David (Roxanne) Kline, Kathy (David) Gramlich, Sue (David) Barry, and John (Carmen) Kline; five stepchildren; 10 grand children; 14 step grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and seven step great grandchildren; as well as many extended family members and countless friends.

A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 3:30 p.m., immediately followed by a memorial service at 5:30 p.m., at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7380 Howdershell, Hazelwood, MO 63042.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s name to the Brain Behavior & Research Center. The Brain Behavior & Research Center uses 100 percent of contributions for grants to understand causes and improve treatments of disorders including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.