Leroy Kent Klinger
September 2, 1960 ~ February 8, 2026
Born in:
Taylorville, Illinois
Resided in:
Clinton, Illinois
Leroy Kent Klinger, 65, of Clinton, IL, passed away at his home on February 8, 2026. He was born on September 2, 1960, in Taylorville, to William and Phyllis (Hafliger) Klinger.
Kent, also known as “Max”, graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He also earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Nuclear Energy Power Generation from Richland Community College. After continuing his education, Max worked at the Clinton Nuclear Power Plant and was happily retired after 30+ years of employment. He enjoyed attending and participating in cowboy action shooting competitions throughout the state. In his later years, he looked forward to Friday morning breakfasts with his retirement club. Max was a talented artist, working in all mediums, but above all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren whom he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Phyllis Klinger as well as his partner, Debbie Benson.
Surviving family includes his daughter, Alana Ellegood (partner Kaid Long) and his stepson, Brandon (Jessica) Leonard. He will be forever missed by his grandchildren, Gabriel Slay, Jaxxon Lester, Karson Lester, Zoey Lester, Abel Bryant, Bryan Leonard, and Greyson Leonard. Also surviving are his sisters, Kara Klinger, Kristi (Steve) Vose, Kayla Baird, in addition to many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Morrisonville, IL. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Jim Ferrill officiating. Interment will follow at Morrisonville Cemetery.
Memorials may be graciously made to the donor’s choice.
Services
Visitation: February 14, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home of Morrisonville
304 Carlin St.
Morrisonville, IL 62546
Funeral Service: February 14, 2026 11:00 am
Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home of Morrisonville
304 Carlin St.
Morrisonville, IL 62546
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I knew Max as a coworker at the plant. In the late 2010’s he was working on procedures and helping with the radwaste operations center, he and I would work on tough problems together. Sometimes he would give me full on assist with a lot of this work. He and I got along well and I always liked working with Max. After retirement, we would meet for breakfast on Fridays, but I would also see him sometimes at circle south where he would bring his art pad with him. We would often talk and he would update me on his sketches, especially if he had some that he recently posted. Sometimes I would get to talk with him at church. I always enjoyed talking to him and thought what a great job he did at the plant! I also through his shared stories, got to realize all that he did for his family! He loved all of them so much! A very good man and an excellent friend. Gonna miss Max.