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Otis Knabe Obituary
November 17, 1951 - December 14, 2024
Derby, Kansas - Otis Eugene Knabe, 73, went to be with his Lord & Savior, Saturday, December 14, 2024. He was born November 17, 1951, to Paul and Izora Knabe in Emporia, KS.
Otis served honorably in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear power machinist mate. Later he graduated from WSU with a bachelor's degree in accounting, preparing him for one day owning his own accounting/tax firm.
Otis was a world class jokester who loved having a good time and making others laugh. He loved God, his family, and the countless kids he had coached throughout the years. He received many coaching honors and enjoyed watching his kids play in college.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Izora Knabe; and his sister, Paula Knabe.
Otis is survived by his wife of 49 years, Cathy Knabe; children, Kevin (Stephanie Kotas) Knabe, Toni (Andrew) Drinkard, Amanda (Jacob) Hadley, and Jesse Knabe; grandchildren, Olivia, Cora, and Lucy Kotas-Knabe, Nora, Haven, and Griffin Drinkard, and Grant and Bonnie Hadley; siblings, Sherril Mapes and Leon (Jan) Knabe; and numerous other relatives & friends.
Visitation: Friday, December 20, 2024, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., at Smith Family Mortuary 1415 North Rock Road Derby, Kansas 67037. Funeral Service: 1 p.m., Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Lincoln Baptist Church 7801 E. Lincoln Wichita, KS 67207. Interment to follow at El Paso Cemetery, Derby, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lincoln Baptist Church, 7801 E. Lincoln, Wichita, KS 67207.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Debra Brown
March 21, 2025
So sorry to see this about Otis he was a very great guy and was someone that really cared. He spoke about his family a lot and yes he loved to start out in his appointment with you by telling a joke. Rest in peace my friend.
Teresa (Mock) Chrisco
January 2, 2025
Cathy and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Otis's passing. He and the rest of your family meant so much to my dad (Frank). I know he will be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mona Beck
December 20, 2024
I will be praying for your family. Otis did our taxes since about 1985 until he retired. Always loved visiting about our kids and families when we went into see him. God bless you all in this tough season. May God wrap you in his comfort.
Harry Simpson
December 19, 2024
Fair winds and following seas sailor. "Boatswain... Standby to pipe the side... Shipmate's going Ashore..." Thank you Otis for your service to this nation. U.S. Navy.
Craig & Mary Ann Dreiling
December 19, 2024
We have so many fond memories of OK and CK sharing their young family with us. Craig enjoyed all the accounting stories and I always loved Otis´ fun nature. He would get that twinkle in his eye and ask if someone was really that gullible!
Be assured of our love and prayers during this difficult time.
CHUCK ASBURY
December 18, 2024
I first knew Otis when we were in a small office group at Boeing in the early '80s when struck out on his own with his accounting business. My wife and I went to him for our taxes when we married in '83. We discovered that she knew him too, having shared a back fence with the Knabe family in the '70s. We continued to see Otis every year until his retirement, so we've been missing him for a while already. He always gave the best tax advice for my business too. I'm saddened by his passing, and offer my condolences to his family.
John C. King
December 17, 2024
I knew Otis in the 1990s. Good guy. Straight shooter. Sorry to see he passed.
Don & Janet French
December 17, 2024
Thinking of you and your family. Our deepest sympathies. Otis was the best tax man our family ever had.
Naomi L. (Reust) Grice
December 17, 2024
Dear Knabe family, we learned about Otis's passing from our cousin, Loretta Persinger. We send our condolences to your family and Otis's friends and colleagues. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love your cousins, Naomi Louise (Reust) Grice and Larry Garcia from Waco, TX--children of Raymond (son of Louis and Naomi Reust) and Claudia Reust
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