Robert Chandler Klein passed away on Thursday February 20, 2025, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  He was born in Biloxi Mississippi to Barabara Swearengen McIlwain and Chandler E. McIlwain and raised in California by his mother and adoptive father, John Klein. Robert graduated from South High School in Bakersfield. He was a state ranked swimmer, a wrestler, and football player, but was destined to be a performer. His first professional singing job was out of L.A. at age 19, touring with Otis Skillings and a group called Renaissance.

His career on the stage began in the Mid-West Musical Theater circuit finding work in Kansas City, Oklahoma City, and Dallas. Going to New York City, as all aspiring singer/actors do, he found a faith in Jesus Christ. He completed his undergraduate degree at New York University, where he met his wife of 41 years, Nancy Kirkland Klein. The couple moved to Virginia Beach in 1986. Robert earned his masters degree in Communications/Theater Arts from Regent University and began a lifelong career as a teacher of theater and vocal music in the Virginia Beach Public Schools. He retired in 2018.

Robert Klein used his performing talents until the day he passed, singing with several choral groups, performing on stage, directing theatrical productions, acting in local television
commercials and performing as a tenor soloist. He is best known for the portrayal of Jesus for 23 years in the annual regional Passion Play, “The Man called Jesus,” which he also directed. He sang with the Faithful Men and the Chancel Choir at Kempsville Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach, and served as Chair of the Worship Arts Committee. Robert was a gifted actor, singer, and director. He was known to many as a kind and merciful man with a true servant’s heart. He led many trips overseas with the “Voice of Virginia” bringing Fine Arts Summer Training to children around the world.

He leaves a legacy as a loving husband to his wife, Nancy Kirkland Klein, Ph.D., and a loving father to children Carey Elizabeth Manrique (Elias) and Wm. Chandler Klein (Krista). He was “Ah Daddy” to his four granddaughters: Ana Elizabeth Manrique, Abigail Alicia Manrique, Riley Rae Klein, and Reagan Chandler Klein. He is survived by his mother Barbara K. Winegar (Dave), sister, Brenda K. Quiring (Rob), brother, Stanley Klein (Cynthia), three nieces, Stacy, Krista, and Becky, and three nephews, Mitchell, Jon, and Jamey, all of Bakersfield, California. A Celebration of Robert’s life was held at Kempsville Presbyterian Church on March 1, 2025. More than 800 attendees gathered to honor him and share how they were impacted by his life
and ministry.

The Celebration of the Life of Robert Klein is available for view at the following link

Donations may be made in his memory to the Worship Arts Department at Kempsville
Presbyterian Church at KPC.org, or TMCJ Int’l at
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/6HDJ3M4CBW7D2