Edgar F. Knaus Jr., 78, of Texico, Illinois passed away at 1:42 PM on November 24, 2022, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon.
He was born August 3, 1944, in Springfield, Illinois to Kathryn (Tinlin) and Edgar F. Knaus. He married Donna Jean (Bridges) Knaus on June 8, 1968, in Neoga, Illinois.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son-in-law, Alan Keele; sisters Joyce McAfee-Sebring of Springfield, Illinois Shannon (Duane) Woods of Tallahassee, Florida; brothers Joel (Dobbie) Gibson of Allen, Texas, Mike (Bonnie) Gibson of Rochester, Indiana; brother-in-law, Don (JonJee) Keller of Doraville, Georgia; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ed was preceded in death by his daughter, Lana (Knaus) Keele; son, Lee Knaus; brother, Bob Gibson; parents and step-mother; grandparents, Clyde and Christine Knaus, who raised him.
Ed worked construction, served 2 years in the US Army, retired as a Master Sergeant from Illinois State Police, and farmed and flew charter for Tate’s Flying Service. He was a member of the National Fraternal Order of Police, Retired State Police Association of Illinois, Mount Vernon Elks, and Mount Vernon Sportsman Club. Ed Enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping. He loved catching fish to share with all his friends and neighbors. Ed was a woodworker making bowls, cutting boards, Veteran flag cases, and bluebird houses, all gifted to friends. He never saw a stranger and everyone he met was a potential friend.
Memorials may be made in his honor to Mount Vernon Elks Lodge 819 to be used for Veteran’s flag cases and will be accepted at the Hughey Funeral Home at any time. Per Ed’s wishes, he will be cremated and a private service will be held at a later date.
