Morgan Clarence Knapp

Morgan C. Knapp, Jr., 79, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Morgan was born in Neptune, New Jersey on March 2, 1932 to Morgan C. Knapp, Sr. and Mildred Johnson Knapp. Morgan grew up in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, where he was an Eagle Scout. He graduated from the University of Delaware before being commissioned in the U.S. Air Force. Morgan married Gene M. Magnus on October 19, 1957 in Waterbury, Vermont, and together they reared a family of five children. The U.S. Air Force brought Morgan and family to Abilene and Dyess Air Force Base in 1966. He retired in Abilene after a 20 year military career as a navigator, serving his country, seeing the world and making many lifelong friends along the way, particularly during his tour in Germany. After his military service, he dabbled in real estate and the restaurant business. Morgan later went on to work for West Texas Utilities for another 18 years, and then consulted with American Electric Power where he was involved with acquiring land for wind farms. Morgan put more miles on a car than most truck drivers and saw almost every court house in Texas. Morgan and Gene loved traveling and cruising, visiting Italy, the Baltics, Panama Canal, North Carolina, Alaska, New York City, and seeing their grandkids. Morgan's greatest joys in life were his faith, family, and friends. Morgan had a big heart, never met a stranger, and touched the lives of everyone he met. He was a man of many talents, gifted in so many ways. He loved playing the piano like no other, whether it was Batman, the Boogie Woogie, or Bach - all by ear. If there was a piano around, he was playing it. Morgan also loved listening to classical music, playing golf and chess. He was a history buff and an avid fan of The New York Football Giants and Texas Aggies. Morgan always had something on the grill with his legendary "Morgan's Rub" and loved entertaining. Morgan wore many hats, including coaching little league baseball for his two sons, organizing golf tournaments for Abilene State Supported Living Center, formerly Abilene State School, and was one of the original members of Holy Family Catholic Church where he was involved in many activities. A generous and selfless person, Morgan always put others first. Morgan was preceded in death by his wife, Gene, on March 1, 2010, and his parents. He is survived by two sons and their spouses, Stephen M. Knapp and Robin of San Antonio, and David M. Knapp and Yvette of San Angelo; three daughters and their spouses, Karen Teneriello and Michael Teneriello, MD, and Barbara Winters and Bill all of Austin, and Amy Sack and Jason of Dallas; a sister, Barbara Cokelet of Red Bank, New Jersey; and seven grandchildren: Michael and Peter Teneriello, Lauren and Lindsay Winters, Clara and Spencer Knapp, and Morgan Sack. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road on Thursday, March 24, 2011 with a rosary to follow at 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held Friday morning at 9:30 am at Holy Family Catholic Church with Msgr. Fred Nawarskas officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at 11:00 am in Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 5970, Abilene, Texas 79606. The family wishes to thank his physicians Dr. Anton Melnyk of Texas Oncology and Dr. Joe Ferguson; Hendrick Hospice, especially his nurse Lecia; and Morgan's "angels" from Visiting Angels, Donna and Amy, who provided him with much love and care this past year.