Obituary for Donald David Knapp
Longtime Alamosa resident Donald “Don” David Knapp, 98, died January 28, 2020 at the San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center in Alamosa.
Don was the only child of Rupert L. and Ethel L. White Knapp and was born in the Bowen Community, south of Monte Vista on November 23, 1921. He married Adelaide E. Baldwin at the Centenary Methodist Church on October 3, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Following graduation from High School and during a couple years at Adams State College, Don worked in the Grove and Rialto Theatres in Alamosa and also for the El Raton and Shula Theatres in Raton, New Mexico. He then enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and served during World War II. Following his time in the military, Don took a position with the Colorado Department of Highways and spent more than 30 years, retiring as Resident Engineer. Don owned and operated his own businesses Blanca Vista Corporation and Knapp Engineering and Surveying Services for many years.
Don loved to fly fish and camp under the stars. He and Adelaide enjoyed square dancing all throughout the Valley and Don volunteered for many dances as the caller. Don’s knowledge of the history of the San Luis Valley was immense, especially when it came to surveying. He had keen powers of observation and always noticed something new.
He is survived by his children: Margaret “Peggy” Dalby of Center, Ethel (Charles W.) Dixon of Del Norte, CO, Charles “Mel” (Becci) Knapp of Eagle River, Alaska, and Alice (Dennis) Burch of Alamosa, CO; his grandchildren: Deborah Dalby of Houston, TX, Kenneth Dalby of Center, CO, David (Joanie) Chapman of Colorado Springs, CO, Jennifer “Dee” (Rob) Plucinski of South Fork, CO, Denali (Josh) Garcia of Eagle River, Alaska, Dominic (Amanda) Burch of Corpus Christi, TX, Stephanie Archuleta of Center, CO, Jaqueline (Danny) Rodriguez of Milliken, CO and Christina (Morgan) Hart of Longmont, CO; his great-grandchildren: Kennessa (Cody Hall) Dalby, Wyatt Chapman, Blayne Chapman, Audrey Plucinski, Heston Plucinski, Jose Garcia and Javielynn Archuleta; as well as his great-great-grandchildren Bentley Hall and Anthony Hall.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Adelaide in 2008, his son-in-law K R. Dalby and his grandson-in-law Gerald “Tommy” Archuleta.
A visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00p.m. Monday, February 3, 2020 followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at the Rogers Family Mortuary, 205 State Avenue in Alamosa. Interment will follow services in the San Luis Valley Cemetery in Monte Vista, Colorado. Contributions in his memory are suggested in lieu of flowers to the Honor Flight of Southern Colorado, at www.honorflightsoco.us or checks through Rogers Family Mortuary.
Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave words of comfort and remarks for Don’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com
Don was the only child of Rupert L. and Ethel L. White Knapp and was born in the Bowen Community, south of Monte Vista on November 23, 1921. He married Adelaide E. Baldwin at the Centenary Methodist Church on October 3, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Following graduation from High School and during a couple years at Adams State College, Don worked in the Grove and Rialto Theatres in Alamosa and also for the El Raton and Shula Theatres in Raton, New Mexico. He then enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and served during World War II. Following his time in the military, Don took a position with the Colorado Department of Highways and spent more than 30 years, retiring as Resident Engineer. Don owned and operated his own businesses Blanca Vista Corporation and Knapp Engineering and Surveying Services for many years.
Don loved to fly fish and camp under the stars. He and Adelaide enjoyed square dancing all throughout the Valley and Don volunteered for many dances as the caller. Don’s knowledge of the history of the San Luis Valley was immense, especially when it came to surveying. He had keen powers of observation and always noticed something new.
He is survived by his children: Margaret “Peggy” Dalby of Center, Ethel (Charles W.) Dixon of Del Norte, CO, Charles “Mel” (Becci) Knapp of Eagle River, Alaska, and Alice (Dennis) Burch of Alamosa, CO; his grandchildren: Deborah Dalby of Houston, TX, Kenneth Dalby of Center, CO, David (Joanie) Chapman of Colorado Springs, CO, Jennifer “Dee” (Rob) Plucinski of South Fork, CO, Denali (Josh) Garcia of Eagle River, Alaska, Dominic (Amanda) Burch of Corpus Christi, TX, Stephanie Archuleta of Center, CO, Jaqueline (Danny) Rodriguez of Milliken, CO and Christina (Morgan) Hart of Longmont, CO; his great-grandchildren: Kennessa (Cody Hall) Dalby, Wyatt Chapman, Blayne Chapman, Audrey Plucinski, Heston Plucinski, Jose Garcia and Javielynn Archuleta; as well as his great-great-grandchildren Bentley Hall and Anthony Hall.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Adelaide in 2008, his son-in-law K R. Dalby and his grandson-in-law Gerald “Tommy” Archuleta.
A visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00p.m. Monday, February 3, 2020 followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at the Rogers Family Mortuary, 205 State Avenue in Alamosa. Interment will follow services in the San Luis Valley Cemetery in Monte Vista, Colorado. Contributions in his memory are suggested in lieu of flowers to the Honor Flight of Southern Colorado, at www.honorflightsoco.us or checks through Rogers Family Mortuary.
Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave words of comfort and remarks for Don’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com