Donald L. Knapp, Jr., was born on 5/20/1945 at El Paso, Texas to Bettie Wisner Knapp and Donald L. Knapp, Sr.  He graduated from Hastings High School in 1963.  After graduation he briefly worked as an optician   In Oct. of 1965 he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served until Aug. of  1969.  He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Navy Unit Commendation medal. Upon discharge from the Navy Don enrolled in Central Community College when he earned his associate degree in electronics.

His first employment upon graduation was Modern Methods, Inc., as a photocopier technician in Hastings, Nebraska.  In 1970 he moved to North Platte, NE still employed by Modern Methods as his company was expanding their service territory.  In 1974 he married Penny Knapp in Lexington, NE. In 1974 he left Modern Methods and was the manager of a bicycle shop in North Platte.  In 1975 he returned to Modern Methods, Inc. in Hastings, NE.  In 1976 Don, Penny and Carrie moved to Lexington, NE so Don could cover central Nebraska.  In 1980 Don left Modern Methods and went to work for Texas Instruments covering Nebraska, northern Kansas, southern South Dakota and eastern Colorado.  Texas Instruments pulled out of Nebraska and Don began employment with Eakes Office Services,  Kearney, NE in 1985 and remained there until his forced retirement in 2010. He  began his heavenly journey on May 26, 2020 from Louisville, NE.

Don's proudest accomplishment were his three daughters:  Carrie, Amanda, and Lori and his grandchildren Emilee, Morgan, Brodin, and Xander..  He loved to take the family bicycling,swimming, camping, fishing and any time by the lake at the cabin.  He was a voracious reader and knew something about everything.  No one could beat him at Trivial Pursuit and rarely cribbage.  He loved  to cook and grill.  He had a special place in his heart for nature, cats and dogs.  Don is remembered as having a very kind heart, welcoming smile and his unending patience in fixing copiers.

He loved working crossword puzzles and putting Coca Cola puzzles together.  He was a member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Lexington, NE. He served on committees, taught Sunday School and loved singing in the choir, especially when it came to performing Requiem.  He had a beautiful baritone voice.  He loved all kinds of music, especially Beach Boys, and liked to play it loud.

After his daughters graduated from high school he became a photographer for sports locally and received special commendation from the high school.

Don began his residence in the Louisville Care Community in May of 2017, after suffering three strokes.  He was very appreciative of the care he received there.  He was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma in August of 2019.  During his final days Carrie and Lori and their families sat vigil outside his room so that he knew they were there with him.  It was agonizing for them not to be able to touch him and be by his side,  Whenever he was asked if he needed anything he would reply only his family.  He is very loved and missed.  We know that we will meet again according to God's word and promise.

Don is survived by Penny Knapp of Lexington, mother of their 3 daughters, Carrie, of Omaha NE, Amanda, of Lexington, NE, and Lori (Jeff) Arnold, of Springfield, NE, grandchildren Emilee, Morgan, Brodin, and Xander, along with his brother Jerry, of Hastings, NE, and sister Cindy, Saskatchewan, Canada, his Uncle Richard Wisner, of Denver, CO, niece Kimberly Sacher, of Washington D.C., nephew Kris Burham, of Poland, and niece Katie Burham, of Saskatchewan, Canada.

He was preceded in death by his parents Donald Sr. and Bettie Knapp.

Graveside services will be Monday, August 3, 2020 at Omaha National Cemetery at 10:00 A.M. Masks will need to be worn and social distancing will be necessary do to Covid 19 requirements.

Memorials maybe sent to the family for later designation

Condolences may be sent to fusselmanallenharvey.com

Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, 413 Elm Street, Louisville, NE 68037   402-234-3985