Michael Lee Cline, 75, a lifelong resident of Lake Charles, La., passed away peacefully in his home on Jan. 10, 2025, with his wife by his side.

In 2022, Michael, after his diagnosis of osteosarcoma, fought everyday with great determination. He accepted the journey on which God had placed him. Michael knew that prayers on his behalf helped sustain him for the three years that followed. Our family truly appreciates the prayers that were said and the love that was evident throughout the journey.

Michael was born on Jan. 29, 1949, in Lake Charles to Sturman Lee Cline and Nelwyn Cole Cline. He graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1967 and from McNeese State University in 1971. In 1972, Michael answered the call to serve his country following his graduation from McNeese and completion of the ROTC program as a 2nd Lieutenant. Michael completed active duty as a 1st Lieutenant, serving as Brigade Combat Team Training Unit Commander in the United States Army.

Michael dedicated his professional career to serving others, retiring in 2012 after many years as a successful salesman in the food service industry. He was known for his steadfast work ethic and his ability to build meaningful relationships with everyone he encountered.

A man of unwavering faith, Michael grew up at First Baptist Church, Lake Charles. Along with various leadership roles, he served as Sunday School Director of the single adult department. He went on many mission trips to Central America and shared God’s love. Michael later became a member of Trinity Baptist Church. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures, such as playing baseball as a youth, snow skiing, and traveling to numerous locations in the United States and abroad. His kind heart, humble spirit, and love for adventure will forever be remembered by all who knew him.

Michael was active and filled positions of leadership in the following organizations,  DeMolay and DeMolay Legion of Honor (50 years), Past Master of Rudolph Krause Lodge of which his father was also a member, Scottish Rite, 32nd Degree Mason, Knights Commander of the Court of Honor, Habibi Shriners, Ceremony Degree Team (40 years), Worthy Patron Order of the Eastern star Justice Chapter where he served with his mother.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Peggy Yates Cline; step-sons, Walter Hammond and Andrew Hammond (Tessa); his mother-in-law, Margaret Gene Yates; his sisters, Colleen Cline Guidry (Butch) and Kay Cline Johnson (Doug); his sister-in-law, Anne Monroe (Randy); his nieces and nephews,  Deanna Guidry Russell (Jeff), Kimberly Guidry Eaves (Tim), Jennifer Guidry Smith (Sammy,) Chelsey Johnson Trahan (Hunter), Lauren Kay Johnson, Eric Michael Johnson; great-nieces and nephews,  Morgan Eaves, Seth Smith, Cole Eaves, Abigail Smith, Ryder Eaves, Luke Smith Jake Russell; many cousins, and granddaughter, Josie Eileen Hammond.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sturman and Nelwyn Cline.

Michael’s funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in the Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles Chapel. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be  at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening, Jan. 14 at the Funeral Home. Visitation will resume on Wednesday at 11 a.m and will continue until the start of the service at 1 p.m.

Memorial donations in Michael’s honor may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, an organization close to his heart.

Words of comfort to the family may be shared at www.johnsonfuneral home.net.