Richard Knapp
Richard Ariel Knapp, 77, died Oct. 2, 2002, at St. Joseph Medical Center, Wichita. He was born on Sept. 7, 1925, to Ariel Fayette Knapp and Eva Gladys (Scott) Knapp.
His childhood years were spent with his parents, three brothers, and one sister in various places in rural southern Iowa. He attended schools in Iowa, graduating from Redding High School in 1943.
Knapp married Eva Saville on Nov. 18, 1945 in Redding, Iowa. To this union were born six children. The family lived in various places in Iowa and Colorado. During this time he was a "jack of all trades." Knapp was involved in farming, carpentry, construction, and a variety of other trades.
On June 24, 1985, he married Gladys Carr Weddle in Hays. At this time he joined Gladys in Marion where he immediately was welcomed into her family. They spent their summers in Marion and enjoyed their winters in southern Texas, meeting and making many new friends.
Knapp was skilled with his hands and, after retiring, enjoyed spending many hours in his woodworking shop. He built numerous crafts, cabinets, tables, desks, and anything else his family and friends requested. When he was not in his shop, he could be found delivering these items to all parts of the country.
Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Duane and Merton; and a sister Melba.
Knapp is survived by his wife, Gladys of Marion; brother Gifford of DeSoto; children, Cheryl South of Boston, Mass., Richard Lee of Monte Vista, Colo., Margaret Shields of Ft. Dodge, Iowa, Charles of Chandler, Ariz., Mark of San Francisco, Calif., and Benjamin of Mount Ayr, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Services were held Saturday at Valley United Methodist Church with Pastor Kennedy Mukwindidza presiding.
Casket bearers were Richard Knapp, Charles Knapp, Mark Knapp, Benjamin Knapp, Cheryl South, and Margaret Shields. Honorary bearers were Bill, Max Jr., James, Pat, Tom, David, and Mike Carr.
The family suggests memorials be given to the American Heart Association or the Valley United Methodist Church.
Burial was at Marion Cemetery.
