
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, March 13, 1990                   TAG: 9003133542
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

GENE KLEIN, EX-CHARGERS OWNER, DIES

Gene Klein, a World War II bomber pilot who became a prominent sports figure as owner of the San Diego Chargers and 1988 Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors, died in San Diego of an apparent heart attack. He was 69.

Klein, who owned the Chargers for 18 years before selling the club in 1984, suffered the seizure at his Rancho Santa Fe home. He was rushed to Scripps Memorial Hospital by ambulance, but efforts to revive him failed and he was pronounced dead, said hospital spokeswoman Edie High.

High said Klein's wife, Joyce, and a nephew were with him when he died. Klein, who became wealthy selling cars, had a history of heart problems. An autopsy was planned.

by CNB