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BORN
1935
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Clayton Knopf Obituary
July 10, 1935 – July 8, 2025
Dad was a life long Bakersfield resident. Passing away peacefully at home 2 days shy of his 90th Birthday. He graduated from Kern County High School in 1954. He then joined the Air Force, in 1958 he was honorably discharged and returned home.
Shortly after returning, he met Carolyn Jean Tucker which resulted in a 60 year marriage until her passing 7/1/2021.
In Dad's younger years he enjoyed racing out at the Okie Bowl. As a member of the Kern Co, Boat Club, he also enjoyed racing his boat at Lake Ming. The love for the outdoors took him on the path of many hunting, fishing and camping trip with friends and family.
Rodeo soon replaced his hobbies as he became a "Rodeo Dad" as he hauled us kids all over attending Jr. and High School rodeo's. After we grew up he joined Back Country Horseman Club. He enjoyed many pack trips cleaning trails and enjoying friendships.
Dad was self employed as a partner of C&B Transmission for many years. He then went on to become Service Manger for Graylift, Massey Ferguson and retiring from Hertz Equipment.
He was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn Jean, his parents Helen & Mac Cheeseman and Foster Knopf, his brothers, Jerry (Joan) Knopf and Layton (Sina) Knopf, Joe Lopeteguy and grandson Sam Knopf.
He is survived by his children Steven (Yvonne) Knopf, Patti Holmes, Chris (Laura) Knopf, His sister Lynn Lopeteguy, SIL Pam Knopf along with 11 grandchildren and 17 great grands.
The family would like to thank Norma and girls along with Hoffman Hospice for their loving care of our dad. A special thanks to our cousin Scott who was our hero many times with helping us out.
Services will be held July 30th at 10am at Veterans National Cemetery.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for Clayton Knopf
Sponsored by Kern River Family Mortuary.
2 Entries
Taya Trickey
August 8, 2025
I dated Chris his son many years ago it's been so long since I've seen Mr knopf.. it's been about 10 years ago that I seen Chris in California at the beach and it was such a great time that I had with him. Chris I just wanted to tell you hello and it was wonderful seeing you again and I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. He was always so good to me and my son who is so young at the time and how he took me in and my son and loved him as his own your mom and sister and everyone. He was such a great man so kind and gentle and humble. I am so glad to hear that he lived as long as he did. What a great man you should be honored I know that you are and he was very loved. I know you'll see him again someday. I love you my dear friend I will always remember you and thank you for the great times we had. I will be praying for you and your family always. I pray that God will give you the peace that surpasses all your understanding. God bless you my friend
Holly Johnson
July 27, 2025
Clayton was one of my clients a few years ago and I really enjoyed spending time with him. He had a lot of stories to tell and his kids were his favorite topic. I enjoyed listening to his stories and caring for him as well as his family. My condolences to the family he will be missed.
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Memorial Events
for Clayton Knopf
Jul
30
Service
10:00 a.m.
Veterans National Cemetery
Clayton, CA
Funeral services provided by:
Kern River Family Mortuary1900 N. Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308
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