William "Bill" Christian Klem

In Loving Memory of William Christian Klem

January 18, 1931 – August 27, 2025

With peaceful assurance, the family announces the passing of William Christian Klem, age 94, into the presence of his Lord and Savior on August 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.

Born on January 18, 1931, in Queens Village, New York, to Arthur and Jessie Klem, William was a man marked by deep integrity, steady faith, and unwavering devotion to God, his family, and his calling. William’s siblings, Arthur Klem, David Klem, and Ruth Myers, preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving sister Mary Lou Smires and brother Herb Klem, who will miss him dearly.

William was the beloved husband of Eileen Elizabeth Klem, with whom he shared a rich and enduring marriage.

Together, they raised two daughters, Valerie and Melinda, and were blessed with grandchildren who brought them immense joy: Luke, Savannah, Elijah, and Neo.

William’s early interest in aviation started at the bombing of Pearl Harbor when he was 12. His father redirected him from becoming a pilot and encouraged him to pursue a scholarship in Aeronautical Engineering at Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, a path that shaped much of his career.

He worked with Bell Helicopter for 24 years and contributed significantly to Evangel-Air, Inc., Boeing-Vertol Co., and with Wycliffe Bible Translators as a TA for Greek and Algebra among other areas. This was how he met Eileen as a TA for her Koine Greek class!

A notable achievement in his career was his work on the Evangel 4500, a twin-engine bush plane designed to serve missionaries in remote regions. They needed a short takeoff and landing plane (called a STOL) to handle the jungle topography of much of the region. It could hold equipment and raise up quickly in the air, a concept Bill referred to as “lift.” He lifted Eileen up in this way getting her to her mission field before they ever met, a testimony to Bill’s desire to see the gospel reach the ends of the earth.

A faithful member of Central Bible Church (formerly Pantego Bible Church), William served and worshiped with a spirit of humility and grace. His life was rooted in the Scriptures—he loved to study and preach the Bible, sing hymns of praise, and encourage others in their walk with Christ. He enjoyed helping at the local chapter of Beach Club for children to know the Lord and His word. A devoted friend, loving father and grandfather, and wise mentor, he lived out his faith in evangelical strength and joyful service.

Although he asked God for permission to marry Eileen because it would “take her off the mission field” of Colombia, he was a devoted missionary in his own way.

He often asked the church for address labels so he could direct new believers to a local body of Christ when reading his gospel tracts including his favorite: “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel. There will be many in heaven because of Bill’s faithfulness to share the word with strangers everywhere he went as well as coworkers. He also fostered the National Day of Prayer at his long-time workplace, Bell Helicopter. He was respected so much that after retiring he returned to help as a contract engineer. He was steady in heart and praised God each day, thanking Him and making requests for himself and others.

Outside of his professional and spiritual endeavors, William found great joy in taking out sailboats, swimming, tennis, singing, walking the neighborhood, watching sunsets, and spending time with his loved ones. He loved to share what the Lord was teaching him and would be faithful to live what he said. He taught his children about apologetics to strengthen their faith and was full of knowledge about the scriptures as well as math, physics, and engineering. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his steadfast heart, and the deep kindness that marked every relationship he nurtured.

There were several times the Lord preserved Bill’s life including 2022 when he was told he needed palliative care. Instead, he was on a sailboat with Valerie for her birthday by that September. His family is so thankful to the Lord for the extra three years he was given. John 10:10 says that it is life and life more abundantly that Jesus wants to give, and Bill would want you to know that anything you need to talk to your “Heavenly Father” about daily.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 6 at 10:00 AM at Wade Family Funeral Home, with a graveside service following at 1:30 PM at Emerald Hills Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to gather in honor of a man whose legacy of love and faithfulness will continue to shine through all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators and the Seed Company, an organization close to William’s heart and mission. He had a heart for those on mission and prayed for those he supported.

Though we mourn, we do not grieve without hope. William has entered the arms of Jesus and is with loved ones who proceeded him including his beloved Eileen, who passed one day and nine years prior. Having fought the good fight and kept the faith, Bill now rejoices in the presence of the One whom he served so faithfully with many witnesses.