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William "Billy" Knapp

William Knapp Obituary

Knapp, William "Billy", survived hill 875 but lost his battle with cancer July 26, 2007, still fighting. A collector of Western art, firearms and friends. The last being his specialty. With 18 years sobriety, he was very active in local AA and a very giving human being. He was truly a good man that will be missed by so many. Survived by sisters Debbie Knapp and Sandy Rivers. Service 6 p.m. Friday, Riverside Christian Church, 1001 Litchfield, Wichita. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Harry Hynes Hospice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wichita Eagle from Jul. 29 to Aug. 1, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for William Knapp

31 Entries

DONALD LIETZKE JR.

August 3, 2007

MET BILL AT A GUN SHOW AN WE JUST HIT IT OFF. THEN ONE DAY HE WANTED ME TO COME OVER AND SEE THIS GUN.HE ASKED ME IF I WANTED SOME COFFEE. WELL THREE DAYS LATER I FINALLY GOT TO SLEEP WOW. THIS LAST YEAR WE STARTED OFF ON AN IDEA I HAD TO MAKE A FLAG THAT WOULD PAY TRIBUTE TO ALL VETS. I BROUGHT HIM THE BASIC DESIGN AND A RIVER RAT FROM HOUSTON HELPED AND WE HAVE THE END MEANS.I HAD HOPED TO GET IT DONE SO WE COULD PRESENT IT TO THE GOVENOR ON VETERANS DAY. BILL HAD THE IDEA PRESENTED TO BIG AND RICH AND THEY LIKED IT. BUT THE RED TAPE IS TOUGH BUT REST ASURED BILL IT WILL GET DONE. TILL WE MEET AGAIN DON LIETZKE JR.

Shaman and Crystal, forever in harmony and peace.

August 3, 2007

Wild Bill & Fast Lou

August 3, 2007

Crystal Gingras

August 2, 2007

Hey Billy, it's Crystal. I loved hangin out with you cause no matter what mood you were in you made me laugh. I remember working on you and Mellissa and am glad that I continued to for awhile. Thanks for letting me hang upside down on your back thingy majig because you just killed my back working on you! :) ha ha. I love you and you will always be in my heart and my memories. And Louise, thank you for bringing Billy into my life and into many others :) I love you Billy.

Charolett Knapic

August 2, 2007

I was holding Bill's arm and hand when he left us. I can still feel the love from that man. It's one of the most powerful gifts I've been allowed to experience.
He LOVED singing with me and actually had a good voice. I'm glad I could play my autoharp and sing him on over to the other side. He was there for me when I needed him and has been chasing me ever since. :)
I'm really looking forward to meeting all of you....Yada, yada, ya

THE BOTTOM LINE IS; Bill, you're loved by a whole bunch of us down here.
Untill we meet again......

Mandalyn fixin' Bill hair

August 2, 2007

sonja dove

August 1, 2007

I too, met Billy through Louise. That was about 14 years ago. He barely new me and Billy, along with Louise and others, showed up in a limo to take me out for my 40th birthday.

We were in many sundowner parades, participated in BBQ cook-offs, and went to New Mexico as well as attending many of Jimmy Littons Halloween parties.

A group of us went to Puerto Vallarta on Billy's honeymoon. Louise, Billy, Melissa, Kent Grove, Cody, Carol and I. We didn't see much of Billy and Melissa on that trip.

Carol Newman said Billy helped her in a time of need. I also went to Billy about a family member that needed advice and help and he offered to do anything he could to help.

Once Louise got sick when she went home at Christmas and Billy and I drove to Columbia to bring her home. Billy would drop anything to help a friend.

I saw Billy a few days before he died and I told him how much I admired the way he handled all of the physical problems he had battled for so many years. He was always upbeat and determined to win.

He was always looking for peace and serenity. Now he has found it.

Love you Billy

Louise Newman

August 1, 2007

I took in a small photo to the printer this afternoon that Billy's sister sent me, he is about 8 yrs old holding up a small fish he caught at the lake.
After enlarging the photo and viewing it more clearly I burst into laughter in the lobby, there's Wild Bill with the fly of his pants wide open, what were you doing brother Bill, fly fishin'? How appropriate...Bill would have really gotten a great laugh. I love you Billy, my best friend forever..You've always been there for me..I am missing our everyday coversations..One great thing about love, you are with me every day and I am so glad you are at peace, go fishin' my friend.

kevin m

August 1, 2007

my friend , you will be greatly missed , thanks for being there for me and countless others when we needed a ear to listen and a heart to help.

Carole Sue Newman

August 1, 2007

I met Billy through my sister Louise about 25 years ago, I loved him the minute I met him, those eyes, that smile, that voice (that kept on talking!)Always full of advice whether or not you asked for it;I asked for it 3 years ago and he drove all the way to Columbia Missouri to give it to me and be with me through a tough time, he was my sisters best friend, not mine so that is how far Billy would reach out for those he loved,he would, and did all he could for so many. A bunch of us went to Mexico one year and one of my favorite pictures, I have posted for all of you-Mr.Chili Pepper (I loved that hat!)Beautiful smile, beautiful day,enjoying the warmth of the sun,beside his great friend Sonja. I believe Billy is wrapped up in love and warmth, laughter and sunshine and is sharing stories with his old friends who have been waiting for him and he will be there waiting for us and will of course, have the first word whe we arrive. Love to all who love Billy, we were all fortunate to have had him in our lives.
Sincerely,
Carole Sue Newman

August 1, 2007

Mandalyn Knappic

July 31, 2007

Bill touched my life in many ways that no other person has. He was like a father, a best friend, and just simply one of the most 'interesting' and unique individuals one could ever hope to meet.

Bill always knew what it was that I needed, whether it was a long talk, a big hug, a sandwich, or a kick in the butt. And he never hesitated to offer any of those things.

He will forever hold a big piece of my heart, and I will never forget the things he taught me.

Dan Mack

July 31, 2007

Bill and two other Veterans and I spend a wonderful and very bonding time at my beach house last Veteran's Day!! He had a great time and was completley in a relaxed mode!!! I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet him and open my home and heart to a very humble man! I am so pround to have had the pleasure to have met him! I have some wonderful pictures and memories!!! Thanks for serving our country Bill and now you can watch over all of us! May God Keep You!!!!!

Jmd

July 31, 2007

You'll be greatly missed by all of us in the Fellowship who have known you over the years. Rest well, Bill.

Suzee Rivers

July 30, 2007

What a great man, my uncle Billy... I regret so little time with him and appreciate the time I did get with him!!! I look forward to knowing him better in Heaven. I loved his shining blue eyes and his warm smile, I remember his smile lighting up a whole room.What a great group of friends and family he has!!! I Love You Uncle Billy, see you soon!God Bless all of you.

Ava

July 30, 2007

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

frank waks

July 30, 2007

Our days together will never be far away, rest in peace.
Frank

Marlene DeCoite

July 30, 2007

Aloha brother Bill, One of the world class couch surfers! Always thought I would see you again, sorry I did not. I am sure my brother Herb is there to meet you with a bottle of spring water and a goodie bag of granola. RIP my good man, All my Aloha Molly Hoenscheidt DeCoite

Todd Rivers

July 30, 2007

I love my Uncle Billy and thank God for the time we spent together hear on earth. I look forward to seeing him again soon in Heaven where I know he's having a great day; forever. Later Bro!
To all those who read this, God loves you and I thank you all for loving and befriending my Uncle, your friend and mine, william (Billy) Edward Knapp.

Carrie Spencer Bidwell

July 30, 2007

To a long ago friend, may we meet again.Carrie

Sandee Knapp Cooper

July 30, 2007

So many memories, and such a great loss. I thank God for sharing you with so many of us. But, who is going to entertain me now? Until we meet again, brother Bill.

Kenoah Henning

July 29, 2007

I knew Bill less than a year. I met him Veteran's Day in Port Aransas last year and we spent a few days with other Veterans, having a good time. He will be missed this Veteran's day. I was really looking forward to seeing him and hearing his laughter again.

Pat Bronston

July 29, 2007

A true friend through many years.
You will be missed.

Lash

July 29, 2007

The day he called saying he needed some help, I knew all of our lives would change. He was a good man. Rest in peace Wild Bill.

Jeff Beck

July 29, 2007

Billy was the kind of buddy that would give you the shirt off his back.
Then again, Billy would wear your shirt if you weren’t paying attention.

I’ve been on the high side of life with Billy.
I’ve been on the low side of life with Billy.

I’ve looked out for Billy when times have been troubling.
Billy has looked out for me when times have been troubling.

Bill Knapp is the best kind of friend to have, asking for nothing in return for his friendship. Billy was the kind of friend that comes along seldom in a lifetime, and I was very lucky and blessed to have had him in my life.

Billy was my friend. I was Billy’s Friend.

Go in peace and go with God, buddy.

Jeff Beck

todd murrell

July 29, 2007

My condolences to Bill's family and many friends. Being your brother-in-law for the past 25 years has been an honor, privilage, and education. Rest in Peace, Todd Murrell

debbie knapp

July 29, 2007

Bill's strength and bravery was allways evident in everything he did, fighting in Viet Nam, overcoming alcholism, or in his battle against cancer. Always a good word for and about everyone. His sense of humor and lust for life will be greatly missed. Your loving sister, Debbie

Chris Smith

July 29, 2007

Bill was an old friend and I will miss him. We partied together and were in recovery together. He helped me get help from VA when I needed it. Keep your head down.

Lash LaRue

July 29, 2007

When he called me that Wednesday morning and said, "I need some help" I secretly knew none of our lives would ever be the same. I just didn't know how many of "us" were out there.
We all do now

Kris

July 29, 2007

Long ago and so far away...

Dave & Linda Stoddart

July 28, 2007

Abalone, they said, must be whacked in the head, 100 times at least before shown the yeast. Crackers to pan, thanks Mr. Diveman.

173rd Airborne 1966-67 Vietnam. Billy, Jeff Beck & I lived on Singer Island, Florida after we got out of the Army. I now have my own saint. Peace out.

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