Donald Walter (Sonny) Kling

If you knew the song 409, you know Don Kling! Don and his wife Sylvia raced a 1961 Chevy Impala Super Sport 409 named the Underdog. The song 409 written by the Beach Boys came out on the B side of the 45 record Surfing Safari. Don & Sylvia were granted permission from Warner Bros. Studio to use the cartoon character "Underdog" on the sides of the race car. It said "Now's the time to fear, Underdog is here!" Don raced this car for 10 years and had over 100 trophies and awards to show for it.

Don (SONNY) was born in Akron, OH on May 15th, 1932. He went out like the Champ that he was on September 2nd, 2016 at the age of 84. He was at home surrounded by his many loved ones, per his wishes.

Don was a Goodyear Boy Scout achieving the award of Eagle Scout. He was a graduate of East High School. He served 2 years in the US Army as a Sergeant Major. Don was still working at the time of his illness and had been employed for 61 years at Aircraft Braking Systems.

Don was a legendary drag racer in the 1960s. Later, Don had an extreme love for NASCAR. This led to many fun trips to the races!  He was also an avid hunter and outdoorsman making many trips out west bringing back many trophy animals. Don was also the President of the Goodyear Wingfoot Bowhunters Club.

Don was a loving man and a great friend to all. Don was a One Of A Kind!  Don's fun loving sarcastic wit can be compared to nothing. Below is the obituary he prepared for himself. Please enjoy:

My Obituary
I want to thank all of my friends and family for all you have done for me throughout the years! They say, "You cannot leave this world until you have suffered enough."  I especially want to express my gratitude and appreciation to those of you that did your best to make that happen. My only regret is that it took you so long, but you did a hellva job. Now that you all have accomplished your mission, and I have finally suffered enough, I hope that all of you sons-a-bitches will finally let me rest in peace. Thank You!!

Don is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Sylvia; his Fuzzy Guy & Loyal Companion KONG; Daughters- Dawn (Mark) Wilson, Teri Kling-Gibson (JBJ); Grandchildren-Donald Laymon (Erica), Ashley Kling (Baby Girl Kling) Eric Wilson (Megan), Spencer Gibson, Gabe Wilson, Sonny Sylvio Kling, Brenda (Bruce) Kaschner, & Brian Wilson; Great Grandchildren-Dillon Walter Laymon, Ares Wilson, Wilson, Wes, Mary, & Phoebe Kaschner: Niece & Nephew-Christy & Jeff Counterman;  Cousin Marylea Beltz; Best Friend & Hunting Buddy- Denny Porter (Susie) (Chad); Special Nurse Angel/BFF/ Other Daughter- Leslie Skolnik

According to Dons wishes, his family had a private service and burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio, his final resting place.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Don's name to his youngest Grandson Sonny's favorite charity Miranda Lambert's Muttnation Foundation. Don's Great Love for his dog, & Sonny's great love for all animals & Miranda this seemed fitting. Please send a check or go online and donate in Don's (SONNY) name to  Muttnation Foundation PO Box 1270 Lindale TX 75771