The Excelsior Standard, May 2, 2025

David Knauss

David Roland Knauss of Kearney passed away April 23, 2025, after a five-year battle with cancer. He was born Nov. 13, 1943, in Kirksville to Drs. Austin Roland and Nellie Mae (Thompson) Knauss. He grew up in Lebanon and graduated in 1961 from high school there. In 1966, he graduated from William Jewell College with degrees in psychology and biology; and it was there he met his future wife, Bonnie Lynne Swafford of Rayville. They were married on June 20, 1969, in Richmond after his discharge from the U.S. Army.

He saw active duty in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in battle.

After five years as a social worker for Jackson County Welfare, he spent 32 years with the Social Security Administration, authorizing benefits and writing decisions for the administrative law judges. He retired in 2007 and took on grandfather status with gusto.

His kids and grandkids will remember him for his desire to be “doing something” at all times and his steadfast support of their own individual pursuits. No early morning car drive, rainstorm or hostile away crowd ever kept him off the sidelines, even in his late 70s, when he enjoyed a weekend by watching multiple grandkids play multiple sports.

When he had time to himself, his pursuits were outdoor activities, including cave exploring, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, running and travel. From family trips with the kids to backpacking through Europe in middle age to bus tours with other senior citizens, he and Bonnie visited 49 of the 50 states, Canada, Europe and Mexico; and spent winters in Florida during their retirement.

David was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dr. Michael Knauss; brother, Daniel Knauss; sister-inlaw, Margaret (VanStavern) Knauss; sister, Mary Kay Knight; and brother-in-law, Roger Knight.

He is survived by his spouse of the home; one sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Rev. Randall Bunch of Eldon; and one sister-in-law, Pat (Chapman) Knauss of Liberty. He also is survived by his son, Jonathan R Knauss (wife Karen Lindgren) of Chicago; daughter, Mary Lynne Gallimore (husband Erik) of Brentwood, Tenn.; four grandchildren, Bailey Gallimore, Landon Gallimore, Austin Knauss and Katherine Knauss; and one niece, two nephews and two great-nephews.

Cremation, a celebration of life and inurnment will be held at a future date. Thurman Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Please share your memories of David by visiting www. thurmanfuneralhome.com.