David P. Kling

David P. Kling, age 91, of Erie, PA, was reunited with his wife after a brief illness on Saturday, March 23, 2013. He was born in Erie on December 22, 1921, the son of the late, Adolph and Mamie Kling.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Dottie Kling, and his daughter Karen Luna. Survivors include his daughter, Kim Litz, and her husband, David Litz, Jr., his grandchildren: Michael Linhart and his fiancé, Amy Bullan, Kelly Summers and her husband, Joe, Michelle Kuilman and her husband, Jason, five great-grandchildren: Sydney, Darren, Logan, Eva, and Jackson.

While studying mechanical engineering at Case Western in Cleveland, David was drafted into the Air Force. He became a pilot of the 56th Fighter Group in WWII. Dave flew with the 63rd squadron. In 1944 his plane was shot down while flying over the Netherlands, where he was found by Dutch farmers. They hid him from the enemy and used the underground to return him safely to England. After being discharged in 1945, Dave became a lead singer in a local Big Band and sang at many weddings. He retired from Johnson Control at the age of 64. He returned to work at 72 as a courier for Northwest Savings Bank and retired this past December.

Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited there on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. for the funeral service conducted by the Rev. David McIlvried. Interment Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, 130 West 8th Street, Suite 216, Erie, PA 16501.

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