Francis Wayne Kniss, 82, of Gainesville, TX, died Wed, Feb 4, 2004, at the Gainesville Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Kniss was born May 17, 1922, in Kalkaska to George E. and Eva (Benedict) Kniss. He married Beulah Estes on Jul 28, 1945, in Gainesville.
He retired from the US Army as a staff sergeant. He received the US Army combat infantry badge and three bronze stars. He retired from the city of Gainesville as a firefighter; was a charter member of the Grace Friendship Baptist Church and physically participated in the erection of the buildings at the church. He enjoyed raising goats and donkeys.
Mr. Kniss is survived by his wife, Beulah, of Gainesville; sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth and Wanna Kniss of Whitesboro, TX; Tonny and Terri Kniss of Gainesville; Buddy and June Kniss of Whitesboro; inherited sons and daughters in law, Joe Bob and Mikki Jones and Steve and Christy Mitchell all of Gainesville; grandchildren, Jason Kniss, Justin Kniss and wife Carissa, Josh Kniss and wife Lucy, Chris Kniss, Shannon Kniss, Rachel Kniss and inherited granddaughter, Kate Jones; great granddaughter, Katelyn Kniss; great grandson, Jimmy Lee Kniss; brothers, Boyd, Daryl, and Dale Kniss, all of Kalkaska; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Donna Jackson; and brother, Gordon Kniss.
Funeral services were held Feb 4 at Grace Friendship Baptist Church, with the Rev. Larry Huffman officiating. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the parking lot fund at Grace Friendship Baptist Church, 1816 NOrth Luther Lane, Gainesville, TX 76240.
Arrangements were made by Geo J Carroll & Son Funeral Home in Gainesville.
