Lawrence Ray "Larry" Knapp

Lawrence Ray Knapp
April 22, 1947 – March 12, 2025
It's March 12, 2025, and if you are reading this, that means Jesus has come to walk me home – I've been waiting for him. I wanted to tell you a little about my life and the people who made it
worth living.
I was born on April 22, 1947 to Charles and Jean (Archey) Knapp in Wheeling, WV. When I was young, we moved to Wellsburg, WV where I grew up with my 5 wonderful sisters: Linda (Rick)
Starck of Wellsburg, WV, Coleen (Sam) Chevalier of Shallotte NC, Carol (Mike) Allman of Wellsburg, WV, Sharon (Greg) Christopher of Atlanta, GA, and Lori (Whit) Walters of Venetia, PA. We did everything together and continued to share our lives to this very day. They were my angels in life who cared for my every need while I was sick.
I graduated from high school and 'enlisted' into the US Army during the Vietnam War. I went to Germany for a year before being dropped into the thick of the war. I am eternally grateful for my
brothers in arms whom I met during this time. Wayne, Marshall, and I were some of the lucky ones who returned home.
When I returned home, I went to work as a stove tender at Weirton Steel. I was there for 37 years and met some of the greatest friends there. I want to thank Gene Smarrella for being the best
friend I could ever hope for. He was with me this morning to say goodbye.
I met a wonderful woman with a lively spirit for life. She was the breath I needed after the war. I married Marjorie Grey on October 21, 1972. Along with my big family, I gain another large
family with the Greys. They welcomed me into their family as if I had been born to them. I'll always love them for that. Margie and I were married for 39 years until she passed away on March 16, 2011. Once again, the breath was knocked out of me.
After a while, I was blessed to meet Linda Carroll. She too had lost her husband, and we became constant companions. We've been together for 13 years. Again, I gain more family to love in Billie and John and their family. It was nice to have someone to share life with once again.
There are others I would like to thank for being part of my life.
Everyone at the Weirton Moose Club, I've loved our dinners, dances, wing nights, and Euchre club.
The Steubenville Veterans Association. Thank you for allowing me to finally speak of the war. It was hard to share that part of my life with those who couldn't understand. Jack Earnest,
thank you for helping me through the process. You have all become my friends and an important part of my life. Brothers forever.
Pastor Jeremy and the congregation of Kings Creek Union Chapel. Thank you all for encouraging my faith and challenging me to live a Christ-filled life.
To all of my neighbors on Putnam Lane. I love how caring and supportive you've all been.
I have been so blessed in my life, even to the day of my death. I will be waiting to welcome you
all home. Goodbye.
Love, Larry
Larry was preceding in death by his parents and wife, Margie, along with 2 nieces, Jill Allman and Anna, and many members of Margie's family.
He is survived by his sisters and their spouses, nephews Jeff (Gina) Montgomery, Scott (Tiffany) Montgomery, Jacob (Tandy) Chevalier, Sammy (Jessica) Chevalier, Andrew (Mandy) Johnson,
Adam Johnson, Quinn Walters, Cam (Lindsy) Walters, and Will (Ashley Walters), nieces Tricia (John) Howard, Becky (Luis) Cortes, Stephanie (Jason) Madden, Michelle (Danny) Melching, and Katie Silva, many, many great and great-great nephew and nieces.
Steel & Wolfe Funeral Home, 380 Penco Road, Weirton, WV 26062, will be caring for the arrangements and services. Viewing and visitation is on Wednesday, March 19, from 3-7 and a Celebration of Life and Resurrection will be held Thursday, March 20, at 11:00am. Interment will be at Chestnut Ridge Cemetery, Paris, PA, where military honors will be rendered by US Army and American Legion Post No. 10 Honor Guards.
In lieu of flowers, the family would love contributions to be made to The Combat Veterans Support Group at Ohio Valley Towers, 500 Market Street, Room 305, Steubenville, Ohio 43952.
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