Lester Wayne Knupple

Lester Wayne Knupple Sr., 73, a proud 40 year resident of Baytown, TX lost his courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis, and passed away on September 28, 2020, at his home with his loving wife by his side. Born in Silsbee, TX, and raised in Anahuac, TX to parents Henry Lester “Bull” Knupple and Norma Dockens Knupple, he graduated from Anahuac High School and was a football letterman. Lester was a U. S. Army Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart Recipient. After serving his country with pride in the U. S. Army, Lester built a career of 37 years with ExxonMobil from where he retired in 2006 as a Specialist of Marine Logistics.

Having worked hard for many years, Lester thoroughly enjoyed his years of retirement. Never one to sit idly by this man, a consummate outdoorsman, had a passion for the water, boats, and saltwater fishing. In his younger years, he enjoyed motorcycle riding, waterskiing, tubing, knee boarding, and floating the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers. He also enjoyed duck hunting and deer hunting. But most of all he loved fishing and Lester approached “retirement” as a third career: From trout and red fishing in Trinity Bay, marlin fishing in Cabo San Lucas, tuna fishing in Venice, Louisiana, and to the Florida Keys, and he crafted many great “fish” stories to go with these adventures. After retirement he traveled extensively but especially loved going on cruises with his beloved wife Vicki Montgomery Knupple.

Lester was a husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother Henry Lee Knupple. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 38 years, Vicki Knupple, sisters Louise Rodriguez and Helen Manous; and sons Lester Knupple Jr., Anthony Knupple and wife Laurie, Jared Keene and wife Whitney, and daughter Katie Davidson.

Lester was blessed with 10 grandchildren Heather Knupple Clark, Brandon Henry, Erica Knupple, Allison Knupple, Kain Knupple, Joe Knupple, Lilianne Knupple, Logan Keene, Makenna Keene, and Lexi Dennis. Also, one great grandchild Rainey Knupple, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Along with this large and loving family Lester was blessed with enduring friendships, friends who were more like family. Knowing Lester was to know an honest, robust man who was never one to shy away from voicing an opinion or poking fun. Lester challenged friends and family to speak openly even boldly when he clearly disagreed. These encounters may never have changed his opinion, but everyone was left understanding Lester more deeply and laughter was the healing balm he provided. One could not be around Lester without seeing how much he adored his wife and partner, his most treasured triumph, his prize. He was proud of the family they had nurtured and the blending of two beautiful tribes into one fun loving, adventuresome extended family.

His family will receive friends Friday, October 2 from 6-8 pm. Graveside services will be Saturday, October 3 at 10:30 am at Pools Cemetery, in Richards, TX.