Thomas Joseph Knebel

Thomas (Tom) J. Knebel, 83, died Nov. 5, 2015, at St. Luke’s Hospice House, Kansas City, MO. Visitation from 6-8pm Mon., Nov. 16th at the McGilley & Sheil Chapel. Second visitation 10am Tues. at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 3736 S. Lee’s Summit Road, Independence, MO, where the Funeral Mass will follow at 11am.

Tom was born January 9, 1932 in Pierron, IL to Walter W. & Lena (Spengel) Knebel. He grew up on the family farm in Pierron, graduating from St. Paul’s High School in Highland, IL. He studied at Eastern Illinois State, before marrying Mary L. Hummert of Breese, IL and settling in Highland. He then began his career as a salesman & then sales manager for Alton Box Company, while building their first house with his own hands & raising five children. After a couple of moves, the family settled in Kansas City, MO. Following his divorce in 1972, he began a 40+ year relationship with “the love of his life,” Judy J. Knebel. Tom loved being on or near the water with the family he loved. He spent every summer vacation with his children, his siblings & extended family on Table Rock Lake; where everyone learned & loved to water ski, swim & fish. Tom never knew a stranger, was a great cook & his best memories revolved around sharing good food with loved ones.

Tom was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Mary Jo; Judy’s daughter, Julie Hanson; his brother, William Knebel and his sisters, Dolores Blasco & Celeste Knebel. In addition to Judy, Tom is survived by his children, Karen Brooks (Harold), Vicki Davis, Beth Callstrom (Randy), Tom Knebel (Susan), Judy’s daughter, Kelly Kenney; numerous grandchildren; great grandchildren; nieces; nephews; his brothers, Al Knebel (Ellen) & John Knebel (Marie) and sister-in-law, Dottie Knebel.

Donations in memory of Tom may be made to St. Mark’s, www.stmarksparish.com, or to St. Luke’s Hospice House, saintlukesgiving.org/hospice. Online condolences to www.mcgilleysheil.com. Arr: McGilley & Sheil Chapel, 11924 E. 47th St., KCMO 64133, 816-353-6555.