John was born on October 10th, 1940 to Robert Knechtges and Alice Ruth Knechtges in Elyria, Ohio. John served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force as a navigator on a C130, flying combat missions in Africa. He graduated with his Masters from Clemson University in SC.
He proudly served as a professor at Bladen Community College for over 30 years. Teaching was his lifelong passion. One of his greatest accomplishments was the impact he made to generations of students in his community. He used his unique humor and storytelling to enrich his classrooms which led students to affectionately nickname him “Mr. K.”
John is preceded in death by his Mother, Father and his Brother Paul Eugine Knechtges. He is survived by his only child, Michelle K. Walker, her husband Jonathan R. Walker and his two grandchildren, Brandon and Logan Walker.
Family will receive friends and guests from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM prior to a celebration of John's life held at Apex Funeral Home, 550 West Williams St. Apex, NC 27513, on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 3:00 PM. Interment with military honors will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to the Arrangements provided by Apex Funeral Home.