of Lexa, AR
December 29, 1946 - November 12, 2021
Donald Eugene Knapp, Sr., 74 years old, of Lexa, Arkansas, passed away November 12, 2021. He was born December 29, 1946, in Lambrook, Arkansas, to Darrell Eugene and Ethel Moore Knapp. He was a member of the Twin City Church of Christ in West Helena.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Brenda Blevins Knapp. He also leaves a daughter, Teresa Knapp Gordon (Nathaniel, Jr.) and a son, Donald Eugene Knapp, Jr.; granddaughters, Krystyn Traylor (Doug Randall), Tara Clark (Jeremy), and Amelia Gordon; grandsons, Ryan Traylor, Carlito Gordon, and Castille Gordon; four sisters, Ramona Moneyhun (James), Carolyn Slane (Larry), Shirley Brister, and Lawanna Newsom (James); three brothers, James Knapp, Jerry Knapp (Linda), and Larry Knapp (Lea); a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews; and very special friends, Kaity and Hunter Bryant and their daughter, Bella.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Ethel Knapp; one sister, Bonnie Zimmer; one brother, Robert Knapp; and two sisters-in-law, Vivian Knapp and Diane Knapp.
Don graduated from Elaine High School in 1965. He was drafted in to the U.S. Army on April 13, 1966 and served in the Vietnam War from November, 1966 to October, 1967 with the 35th Combat Engineers. He was honorably discharged April 12, 1968, but remained in the U.S. Army Reserve for an additional four years. He later served in the National Guard.
Don and Brenda married July 20, 1968 in Virginia and he worked for the Virginia Electric and Power Company for the next six years. They then moved to Arkansas and he worked for Arkansas Power and Light Company (now Entergy) from 1974 until he retired July 31, 2002. He owned and operated Knapp Ice Company with his family, and later took over operations of Knapp Farms.
Don was committed to serving his community and served on the School Board of the Elaine Public School District for eight years. He served as a volunteer fireman for thirteen years and was fire chief for two years. He served as commander of the American Legion Post 238 in Elaine. He served on the board of the Elaine County Christmas festival for many years. He was an Arkansas Constable until he retired at age 70.
A funeral service for Donald Knapp, Sr. will be held at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena, Arkansas at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 16, 2021, with visitation beginning at noon. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in West Helena. Brother John Travis will officiate.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
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56 Condolence(s)
Pat Smith
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Brenda and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort for you all. My God wrap you in His warm embrace.
Lenore Alice Broussard
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Mr. Don, you will be missed! You were one of my favorite customers while I worked at Kelley’s.
Jim & Brenda Lahue
Monday, November 22, 2021
A fellow Veteran and a friend for many years. You are missed.
Jessica Pillow
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Our condolences. Gill and Jessica
Jesse Porter
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
So sorry to read of Donald’s passing. He lead a great life and helped Phillips County. Prayers for peace and comfort during the transition.
Rusty Porter
Veronica & Tony Davis
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
We are sending our prayers and condolences. May the Lord continue to strengthen you and your family.
Brenda Murray
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Donald, so sorry to learn of the passing of your dad. Prayers for you and your family.
Earl Wilson
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Brenda and Don, Jr., Neala and I are so sorry to hear about Don. Prayers for you and your families. Don was one of the good guys. May he rest in peace.
Roy Kirkland
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sue Arnn
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
My prayers are with you today, Brenda, Teresa, and Donald. I remember Mr. Don especially for taking one of my classes on an exciting trip to Huntsville, AL, to the Space Museum. He did an expert job! Remembering him fondly. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace in the days ahead.
Your friend,
Richard Hamrick
Monday, November 15, 2021
Tributes
November 14, 2021
Richard & Sue Planted 10 trees
“In memory of Donald Knappâ€
Kristy Mosby
Monday, November 15, 2021
Teresa,
I am sorry for your loss. The kids and I are sending prayers for comfort and peace in knowing that your dad is no longer suffering.
Michael Harrison
Monday, November 15, 2021
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Tim & Donna Ward Johnson
Monday, November 15, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Mr Donald passing. I know he will be missed by all who knew him. Know you will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Missy Ishmael
Monday, November 15, 2021
Brenda, Donald and family,
Donald was the nicest guy. It’s been several years since I’ve seen him but always enjoyed talking to him. You all have been in my thoughts and prayers these last few weeks. Continued prayers for you all.
Philip and Becky Gattas
Monday, November 15, 2021
Brenda, Don’s strength and your loving hands helped Don fight a good fight. I hope you find the peace and solace Don has in Heaven. You are in our prayers.
Lisa Higginbothom
Monday, November 15, 2021
Brenda and Little Donald I am so sorry to hear of Donald’s passing. He was a sweet and wonderful man. I still remember our evening walks around the football field laughing and talking. May God comfort you today and in the coming days.
Charles D. Gunn
Monday, November 15, 2021
It just saddens me that I did not get out to see Donald again but with COVID I didn’t. To all the family I have prayed for family and Donald. I turn now my focus on the family knowing several personally. Donald always stood high in my esteem even on the school board. His influence will live on. Thankful he is out of his struggles.
Andy & Eugenia Jones Newsom
Monday, November 15, 2021
LaWanna and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during such a difficult time in your life.
Roland & Clara Williamson
Monday, November 15, 2021
So very sad. Donald was a great guy & will be missed by so many. Happy to have known him. Enjoyed his great laugh & his helpfulness. We will not be able to attend his service, but know you all are in our thoughts & prayers. May God bless.
Jim & Hazel Williams
Monday, November 15, 2021
Brenda,
Jim and I were so sorry to read this news We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Hazel
Gerry Knapp
Monday, November 15, 2021
I still remember the summer I spent with grandma and grandpa but hung out with you guys most of the time. Must admit you are one of my favorite cousins. We will get caught up when I join you in Heaven in about 30+ years. Love you cuz.
Debbie Estep (Knapp)
Monday, November 15, 2021
I’m going to miss you sweet Cousin. So glad we were able to spend time together since I moved to GA. I loved you all so much as a child growing up and coming to the farm to visit while grandma was alive. Such wonderful memories I will always hold dear. Praying for your sweet family as they grieve. I pray for comfort that can only come from Jesus and am grateful for the assurance of seeing you again one day when we meet Jesus face to face. I love you.
sue hamrick
Monday, November 15, 2021
Every time I think of him I smile. He was a joy to be around.
He will be deeply missed
Our Sympathies
Sue & Richard Hamrick
Terry Garrison
Monday, November 15, 2021
Dear Mrs. Brenda,
We are so sorry about the loss of Mr. Donald. We will be praying for you and your family during this season of grief.
In Christ,
Fred and Terry Garrison
Lynette (Burt) Murphy
Monday, November 15, 2021
Brenda, I am so sorry for this loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Danny and Judy Vandiver
Monday, November 15, 2021
Brenda and family,
I am sorry to hear that your husband passed away. We will be praying for you for comfort and strength during the coming days.
Bobby Don Baxley
Monday, November 15, 2021
Donald and I was brothers. Began our friendship by having a fist fight in Mr. Roraks ag class. Getting licks from Me. Carroll. Never forget Donald coming out to the farm telling me he was going to the army. His proud look. I loved him and will always miss him. Bobby Baxley
Curtis and Vicky Crisp
Monday, November 15, 2021
Known Donald nearly all my life, was a Great Man, always trying to help others. To the Family Remember all the Good Times and Memories! We will be Praying for Gods Comfort.
Diane Karr
Monday, November 15, 2021
Peace be with you and yours Brenda. You are on my heart.
Jimmy faulkner
Monday, November 15, 2021
My condolences to the Knapp family. Went to school with Donald, and they were our neighbors at Lambrook. Always considered him a friend.
Mary Roy-Sample
Monday, November 15, 2021
Brenda, Teresa Gordon and Donald we are Praying with and for you’ll. May God bless you. Sending special hugs and kisses to Tara and Grace.
Sylvia Hindsley
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Brenda so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Cindy Hanley
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Brenda, Donald and Teresa,
I'm so sorry, keeping you all in my prayers. God's peace and comfort be with you all.
Hugs and prayers,
Cindy Hanley
Lynn McDonald
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Brenda & family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. He will be truly missed.
I will be in prayer for you and your familyðŸ™ðŸ¼
Jeannie Turley
Sunday, November 14, 2021
To the Knapp family, Gip and I were so sad to hear of your loss. I hope You find peace.
Margaret Kirk
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Brenda, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband.
Faye Williams
Sunday, November 14, 2021
So Sorry to hear about Don Will be Praying for his family i new Don many years ago and he was always a good man .May he rest in Peace
Robert & Anita Williams
Sunday, November 14, 2021
To the Knapp family
So sorry for your loss
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Margie & Johnny Smith
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Brenda,
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family for comfort and strength.
Arlene Clark
Sunday, November 14, 2021
We are so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
David and BJ Gregory
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Brenda and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Donald was such a sweet and friendly guy. Always fun to be around. May God provide your family with comfort today and in the days ahead. We will keep you in our prayers.
Mavis Heathcock Winfree
Sunday, November 14, 2021
To the Knapp family, my deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. Donald was a great guy with a great sense of humour . I remember him teasing me on the school bus when I was young. I really thought allot of him. May the Lord comfort and keep all of you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Mavis
Oscar Richardson Jr
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Our deepest condolences to you Teresa, Mrs. Brenda and little Donald ..
Teresa Wilson
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Mrs Brenda,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ramona Moneyhun
Sunday, November 14, 2021
My sweet brother I loved You
Pat Hardy
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Brenda and Family, my heart reaches out to y'all during this sad time. May God wrap his arms
around each one. With Love...Pat & Pete Hardy
Ann Lee
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Brenda and Donald, so sorry to learn about Donald. Peace to your family
Bob and Ann Lee
Joann carroll
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Sorry for your lost and prayers for the family.
Ruth Ann Blankenship
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Prayers for the family during this difficult time. I know he will be missed.
Edwynne E Kalb
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Sorry for your loss & your family will be in my prayers.
CLIFFORD CRAIG
Saturday, November 13, 2021
OUR PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY. DON WAS A GREAT GUY I ALWAYS ENJOYED WORKING WITH HIM. DON WILL BE MISSED BY EVERYONE. CLIFFORD AND DIANNE CRAIG
Wilma Mansfield
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Brenda I am so sorry to receive this notice. I have great memories of all my co-workers at AP&L I called crew "Freida's guys" because she had their upmost respect and would do anything for her. Don had the best laugh and was a great friend. I will be praying for you and your family! That seems so little but it's the best any of us can do.
Wilma
Doris and Clois Perkins
Saturday, November 13, 2021
To the Knapp family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Donald. He was a great guy and always so friendly.
The Clois Perkins Family
Millard Swindle
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Knew Donald was a Very Good Man, Went to Elaine School With Donald, We had a nickname for him Called Him Tom Dooley, he will be Missed!
Wand McIntosh-Crouch
Saturday, November 13, 2021
So sorry for your loss ðŸ™ðŸ»