William H. Knepper Jr.

William H. Knepper Jr., 82, of Mansfield, passed away Thursday morning, July 5, 2018, at Wedgewood Estates. He was born August 30, 1935, in Wellsville, Ohio, to the late William H. and Helen (Jordan) Knepper.

William was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and Army Corps of Engineers. He retired as a Mechanical Engineer from Tubescope. He held many patents relating to the mechanics of bowling alleys and traveled the world setting up bowling equipment. William was an avid coin and stamp collector.

A very loving, doting and generous man, he lived for his wife, Bonnie Jean Harris Knepper, and the love they shared was truly special. The spirit of Christmas was a lifestyle for them from Thanksgiving through the holiday. They loved to decorate their home and every room was styled to perfection. They enjoyed Christmas so much they conducted tours for others to see their amazingly beautiful home and share in the holiday joy.

William is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 62 years, Bonnie Jean Knepper; two daughters, Valerie J. Rivard of California and Jennifer Lee Knepper of Mansfield; eight grandchildren, Jason, Ashley, Jessica, Brandy, Meghan, Destiny, Hannah and Uzziah; and many great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his darling daughter, Annina K. Knepper.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service will be held Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Celebrant Mark Dettmer officiating. He will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.