John Paul Cline, of Lake Lotawana, Missouri, died Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the age of 71. John was born on August 24, 1954, in Maryville, Missouri, to James Eugene Cline and Jane Pasley Cline. He received a B.S. in Agricultural Business from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri.
John was a hardworking and dedicated man. His passion for work began early when he chose to put in long hours before and after school at Merrigan Brothers Sale Barn. The work ethic instilled in him, and the lessons learned from Jim and Lawrence Merrigan and his father, Jim Cline, would shape and carry John throughout his life and career.
In 1984, John and his friend and business partner, Mike Wood, formed Cline-Wood Agency, an insurance agency specializing in providing casualty insurance and risk management services for commercial transportation and agricultural businesses. What started as a small office in Kansas City grew to outgrow three buildings and eventually employed 70 people, with additional offices in Arlington, Texas, and St. Louis, Missouri.
While at Cline-Wood Agency, John served on the Board of the Missouri Trucking Association for 17 years, was a member of the National Tank Truck Association, received the 1998 G. Findley Reed Award recognizing his service to the motor carrier industry, and was named Producer of the Year multiple times. In 2015, John and Mike sold the company to Marsh McLennan, where John continued to work until his retirement. His forty years at Cline-Wood Agency were priceless to him.
In addition to his love of work, John was a dedicated fan and champion of Northwest Missouri State University. A Bearcat at heart, he was devoted to the university—from his time as a student and President of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity to his years as a generous donor of both his time and resources. John played an active role in the growth of the Agricultural Learning Center and the Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse, and he served for many years on the Northwest Missouri State Foundation Board of Directors. John loved playing golf with his friends, building lifelong relationships, making people laugh, spending time with his family, traveling with Julie, and being a proud Dad and Papa to his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Jennie and Holt Wrenn of Charlotte, NC, and Megan and Matt Turner of Leawood, KS; longtime partner, Julie Handley Cline; grandchildren, Dewey Eugene Wrenn, Florence Elizabeth (“Birdie”) Wrenn, Edith (“Edie”) Gray Turner, and Lionel John Turner; and his sister, Jennie Sue (Coby) Lamb of Maryville, MO.
He is also survived by Julie’s daughters, Hailey Nemeth and Lindsey (Cam) Colbert, and their son, Jace; Jennie and Megan’s mother, Janice Cline; nieces, Mindy (Kevin McCreedy) Lamb and Katie (James) Cronin; great-nieces and nephews, McKenna McCreedy, Alexis McCreedy, Charlie Cronin, Caia McCreedy, and Jane Cronin; cousins, Chet (Sue) Bowles and David (Betsy) Pasley; friends and “brothers” of 67 years, Don McDonald and Mick McDonald; along with many other close family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents. John grew up in Maryville, Missouri, and was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). As an adult, he attended Country Club Christian Church.
A private burial will be held in Camden Point, Missouri, with family and close friends.
The family will host a Memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Country Club Christian Church, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at Indian Hills Country Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Northwest Missouri State University Foundation, designated for Agricultural Programs
