Huber Lee "Hubie" Kline

Huber Lee Kline, age 88, of 427 Main Street, Benton, passed away on May 3, 2021, after effectively running the bases to cross home plate.

Born July 13, 1932 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, he was the son of the late H. Lee Kline and Sarah Baker Kline. Hubie was a graduate of Benton High School class of 1950. His wife of 53 years, Nancy Lee Kline, predeceased him in death in 2009, as did his brother James Kline, of State College, and his sister, Linda Kline, of Clearwater, FL in 2017..

After graduating from Benton High School, Hubie was offered the opportunity to play professional baseball with either the New York Giants or the St. Louis Browns. Instead, he attended Pennsylvania State University from 1950-1954, graduating with a B.S. in health and physical education. While at PSU he played third base for the baseball team, accumulating a .358 batting average. Hubie’s experience was highlighted by a trip to Omaha for the college World Series in 1952 where the team finished third and he batted .438. He was considered one of the finest shortstops to have ever played in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania. He also played for the PSU soccer team all four years. In addition, he participated in intramural basketball, handball, and tennis. Throughout the years he continued to love all things Penn State, enjoyed many home football games at Beaver Stadium.

Mr. Kline began his teaching career at Benton JSHS, where he worked for 38 years before retiring in 1993. During his tenure he coached baseball for 39 years with a .699 winning percentage, soccer for 27 years with a .839 winning percentage and basketball 6 years with a .432 percentage. Hubie coached 1200 varsity contests, winning 840, losing 327 with 33 ties. In addition to winning numerous district title in soccer, he and his longtime friend Millard Ludwig, coach at Millville, started the “Old Cider Jug” rivalry to build interest in local soccer. Benton and Millville vie for that trophy still today. In retirement Huber served as Benton Judge of Elections for several years and as a Benton Council member and president. He was an active member of the Benton Presbyterian Church all of his life where he served as an elder and trustee. He continued to referee basketball games for six decades for local schools into his 80’s and attended numerous PGA golf tournaments. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and looked forward to visiting with them.

A lifelong athlete, he continued to indulge in sports during retirement. He coached the Bloomsburg Junior Legion for 4 years (58, 59, 61, 62) finishing with a 48-0 league record. Hubie was an avid golfer playing in league and tournaments and working at the Benton Mill Race golf course for many years in the pro shop and as a starter and ranger on the fairways. He loved any competition and strove to play his best on the course. Although he could be known for his “passionate debate” in other sports, golf tempered his disposition. This enthusiasm for sports, particularly with gold, rewarded him with many lifelong friends. He continued to meet new acquaintances during travels with Nancy to Myrtle Beach, before her passing, and later seven years with Pat during winter trips to The Villages in Florida where they enjoyed pickleball, golf, bocce and many other activities.

A special highlight for Hubie occurred on 1/25/2020 when he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame. He said at the induction that his players grit, discipline, hard work and toughness led to their tremendous success and their accomplishments led him to the Hall of Fame. Hubie said they deserved the greater part of this award together with longtime assistant Bill Garrison.

Also, in 2016, Hubie was inducted into the Benton High School Hall of Fame.

Hubie is survived by a daughter, Laurie L. Lamoreaux, and her husband Alan, of Chapel Hill, NC, a son Scott P. Kline, and his wife Tina, of Benton; two grandchildren: Shannon Sara Lamoreaux and Shane Paul Kline; one great-grandchild, Lillian Lamoreaux Rickman; one sister-in-law, Esther Vincent, of Benton; and several nieces and nephews including Joey Fantanarosa, of South Abington and Jeff Kline, of State College. He is also survived by his second wife, Pat.

There will be no viewing and funeral services will be private. Interment will be in the Benton cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg. 

While we mourn the loss of our father and grandfather, we know he is at peace with our mother. We celebrate his life. His family will miss him. Donations in memory of Hubie and in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Benton Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 373, Benton, PA 17814.

Condolence messages and photographs may be posted at: www.krinerfuneralhomes.com