John Duane Knapp

John was born in 1936 in Decatur, Illinois to John and Martha Knapp. Having graduated from Villanova Prepatory School in Ojai, California, he continued his academic career at The University of Arizona. In 1959, he married Michele McCarthy. They raised four children, Julie, John, Katie and Colleen. The son of a state agriculture inspector, he successfully led in Sales, Marketing and Product roles in his decades-long agrochemical industry career, though he felt most at home walking among the furrows.

John had passion for the outdoors, good food and wine, and these came together in his many travels across North America, South America, Europe and Asia. He was an avid reader, often tucking his nose into stacks of history and adventure non-fiction. He was known to loved ones for his entertaining stories of outdoorsman adventures, ability to serve up succulent smoked meats and making everyone feel welcome by deftly placing a drink in your hand before you knew it. A devout Catholic, John was a longtime member of Holy Spirit Church and made it a priority to give to local charities including Hinds Hospice and Catholic Charities.

John was preceded in death by his father John, his mother Martha, his brothers William and Thomas, his beloved wife of 58 years Michele and his son John. He is survived by his three daughters, Julie Matoian, Katie Cox and Colleen Jansen, his brother Jim Knapp and grandchildren John Knapp IV, Megan Postier, Mark Matoian, Nick Matoian and Caden Cox.

A funeral mass will be held on September 16, 2020 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 355 E Champlain Drive, Fresno, CA 93730 at 9 AM.

Donations may be sent to Hinds Hospice or Catholic Charities.