George Malcolm Klingner, Jr, MD passed away, suddenly, on January 16th in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 78. Born in 1937 to Malcolm and Ursalee Klingner, Dr. Klingner graduated from Central High School, attended Drury College and belonged to the Sigma Nu fraternity. During these studies, he served in the US Navy Reserve. Dr. Klingner graduated from University of Missouri Medical School, and completed his post graduate training at Kansas City General. He joined his father in internal medicine practice at The Morton Building in Springfield. Dr. Klingner served as physician for the Fair Haven Children''s Home and also provided medical services to the Boy Scouts and the Sertoma boys'' boxing events. After retirement from private practice, Dr. Klingner served as the Medical Director at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners. Subsequently, his final practice was at the Ozark Correctional Center in Fordland. He married the love of his life, Sharan Leslie Elliott, with whom he celebrated forty nine years of marriage and raised three wonderful children. In addition to the practice of medicine, George and Sharan enjoyed many and varied interests together, some of which include worldwide travel, breeding dogs and enjoying nature. A prolific reader, George was a particular aficionado of military history. He particularly loved singing in a barbershop quartet, performing before Ronald Reagan in their group, "Four on the Floor", as well as a choral group. Dr. Klingner remains fondly remembered by his many beloved friends. Interestingly, one of these was Jim Owens, originator of the float trips on the White River. The two of them were written into "The Beverly Hillbillies" as authentic Ozarkian culture characters. Dr. Klingner was preceded in death by his parents and his younger sister, Joan Derrough Smith. He is survived by his wife Sharan; his children Cheri Klingner & Ray Winton of Houston, TX, Michael & Lisa Klingner of Branson, MO, Mary Beth & Greg Campagna of Baton Rouge, LA; grandchildren Austin and Caleb Klingner, and Ryan and Caroline Campagna; Also his two nieces and their spouses Dr. David Randall and Dr. Shelly Derrough and Dr. John and Jennifer Essman.
A celebration of life is scheduled at Twin Oaks Country Club for Friday, January 22 from 6-8 p.m.. A private family graveside service shall be scheduled subsequently.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully appreciated for The Wounded Warrior Project, the Fair Haven Children''s Home, Strafford, MO or the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri.