Richard Anthony Klein

Mr. Richard Anthony “Tony” Klein, age 75, of Madison, Indiana entered this life on January 6, 1949 in Jefferson County Indiana. 

He was the loving son of the late Richard “Toogie” Klein and Wanda Tanksley Klein.  He was raised in Madison and graduated from Madison Consolidated High School in 1967 where he was a member of the 1967 (21-4) Madison Cubs basketball team.

On August 6th, 1969, Tony was inducted into the United States Army where during the first two weeks he re-enlisted into the United States Army Special Forces Unit as a Demolitions Sgt.  Tony was assigned to two different A-Teams while serving aboard A316 and A312 both stationed out of Okinawa.  Upon an honorable discharge from the Army in 1972, Tony returned home to Madison for a short time only to enlist in the US Navy.  He was assigned to the Engineering Department as a machinist mate.  He served various ships accumulating 14 years of sea duty.  During his service to his country, Tony received two Navy Achievement Medals, two meritorious Service Medals, Navy Gold Wreath with five stars in recruiting, and other ribbons and medals while serving in the Navy.

Upon returning to Madison in 1992, he worked as a plant manager at Royer until joining the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department in 1996.  There Tony achieved the rank of Lieutenant and graduated from the Indiana State Police Crime Scene School.  Tony was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and Post #9 of the American Legion since 1992.  After his retirement he liked renovating his basement, fishing and being with his wife and family. 

Tony passed from this life on Monday, April 15th at the Norton King's Daughters' Hospital with his family and friends at his side.

Tony will be missed by his loving wife, Susan Hill Klein of Madison; his loving mother, Wanda Tanksley Klein of Madison; his sister, Carolyn “Cacki” Purvis (Danny) of Milton, Kentucky; his son, Kristopher Kalb of Westfield, Indiana; his daughter, Sandra Bastyr (Russ) of Brownsburg, Indiana; two nephews, Dave and Matt Shafer, and his sisters-in-law, Nancy Hogg of Madisonville, Kentucky and Dianne Hill of Madison.  He was preceded in death by his loving sister, Suzan Kay Klein in 2013; his father Richard “Toogie” Klein in 2020; and his mother and father-in-law, Robert and Martha Jane Kalb Hill.

Private graveside services will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024 at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Lytle Welty Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Vail Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

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