Donald Jack Knepp

Donald Jack Knepp, 86, of Keizer Oregon, passed away on November 17th with family by his side in Salem, Oregon.

Don was born on December 24th 1935 to Paul Henry Knepp & Freda Smith Knepp in Edmonton, Alberta. Don graduated from Beaverton High School in 1954. After returning from the Army in 1957 Don studied Chemistry at Portland State and Oregon State University, receiving a Master of Science in Chemistry and a Master in Teaching from Oregon College of Education (Western Oregon University).

Don began a long career as an educator, first at Portland Community College, then 7th grade science in Pendleton, Oregon. He was working later as a pastor, continuing his calling to teach and serve. He married Shirley Mae Manning on September 18th, 1965. Happily married for 57 years, Don and Shirley have two children, Henry Knepp of Salem, Oregon, and Michael Knepp of Culver, Oregon.

After retiring from teaching, Don and Shirley attended seminary training for five summers at the Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. Don and Shirley pastored the United Methodist Church in Echo, Oregon, Haines/North Powder, and Myrtle Creek/Days Creek.

In 1998, Don retired and continued his travel adventures with Shirley, including trips to the British Isles, Egypt, and Malta. Enjoying woodworking, writing stories, fellowship, photography, attending the Elks Lodge on Thursdays, and being a good father, grandfather, and husband. Don continued to be active with the church while attending First United Methodist Church of Salem, serving as assistant to the archivist and always volunteering to help in any capacity. Involved in the Pendleton Association of Teachers, member of the Baker County People for Human Dignity, Western District Retired Pastors, British Travel Fans, and the Pendleton Volunteer Fire Department. Don volunteered countless hours at the Salem Riverfront Carousel working to help create beautiful wooden horses and other characters still displayed and used today. He will be remembered as a caring, kind person who taught students the excitement of science. Don was predeceased by his parents Paul and Frieda Knepp, brother Byron W. Knepp, and Sister-in-law Darlene Knepp. Don is survived by his wife Shirley Manning Knepp, sons Henry Knepp and Michael Knepp, and grandchildren Adam Knepp and Emma Knepp.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church on December 10th at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to Habitat For Humanity, an organization Don felt strongly about.