of Lexa, AR

December 29, 1946 - November 12, 2021

Donald Eugene Knapp, Sr., 74 years old, of Lexa, Arkansas, passed away November 12, 2021. He was born December 29, 1946, in Lambrook, Arkansas, to Darrell Eugene and Ethel Moore Knapp. He was a member of the Twin City Church of Christ in West Helena.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Brenda Blevins Knapp. He also leaves a daughter, Teresa Knapp Gordon (Nathaniel, Jr.) and a son, Donald Eugene Knapp, Jr.; granddaughters, Krystyn Traylor (Doug Randall), Tara Clark (Jeremy), and Amelia Gordon; grandsons, Ryan Traylor, Carlito Gordon, and Castille Gordon; four sisters, Ramona Moneyhun (James), Carolyn Slane (Larry), Shirley Brister, and Lawanna Newsom (James); three brothers, James Knapp, Jerry Knapp (Linda), and Larry Knapp (Lea); a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews; and very special friends, Kaity and Hunter Bryant and their daughter, Bella.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Ethel Knapp; one sister, Bonnie Zimmer; one brother, Robert Knapp; and two sisters-in-law, Vivian Knapp and Diane Knapp.

Don graduated from Elaine High School in 1965. He was drafted in to the U.S. Army on April 13, 1966 and served in the Vietnam War from November, 1966 to October, 1967 with the 35th Combat Engineers. He was honorably discharged April 12, 1968, but remained in the U.S. Army Reserve for an additional four years. He later served in the National Guard.

Don and Brenda married July 20, 1968 in Virginia and he worked for the Virginia Electric and Power Company for the next six years. They then moved to Arkansas and he worked for Arkansas Power and Light Company (now Entergy) from 1974 until he retired July 31, 2002. He owned and operated Knapp Ice Company with his family, and later took over operations of Knapp Farms.

Don was committed to serving his community and served on the School Board of the Elaine Public School District for eight years. He served as a volunteer fireman for thirteen years and was fire chief for two years. He served as commander of the American Legion Post 238 in Elaine. He served on the board of the Elaine County Christmas festival for many years. He was an Arkansas Constable until he retired at age 70.

A funeral service for Donald Knapp, Sr. will be held at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena, Arkansas at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 16, 2021, with visitation beginning at noon. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in West Helena. Brother John Travis will officiate.

Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
508 East Plaza Street
West Helena, AR  72390
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com