Carol Knisley

Carol Ray Knisley, 82, of rural Cherryvale, KS passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Tulsa Spine and Specialty Hospital in Tulsa, OK.

He was born January 12, 1936 at Coffeyville, KS to Virgil and Mary (Hobbs) Knisley and grew up on the family farm near Jefferson, KS. Carol graduated from Independence High School in 1955 and attended one semester at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS. He later returned to PSU and obtained his welding certification. He was a member of Keystone Masonic Lodge #102 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite and Mirza Temple. In 2008, Carol received a Conservation Award from the Montgomery County Conservation District for his efforts in land clearing.

On February 5, 1956 he married Shirley Ann Ricketts and they made their home at various locations in Montgomery County. They have two sons, Carol II and Greg. After working at various local industries, Carol had the opportunity to continue the family's trash hauling business started by his grandfather, Milo Knisley in 1902. Working with wife Shirley and their two sons, this became Sunset Disposal and The Resource Recovery Landfill continuing until 1997 at which time he retired to his true love of land and cattle. His hobbies included riding motorcycles, trying to ride bulls, riding horses, taking flying lessons, hunting, camping, and any outdoor activity involving food and fellowship.

In addition to his wife Shirley, Carol is survived by his sons Carol II and wife Diana of Independence, KS, Greg and wife Lori of Cherryvale, KS; his sister Patty Jo Castorena of Independence, KS; 4 grandchildren, Abby Mackie and husband Mark of Santa Clarita, CA, Tyler Knisley of Cherryvale, KS, Kelsey Riebel and husband Dusty of Tulsa, OK, Gabbie Timmons and husband Robby of Wakarusa, KS; and 4 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, one sister, and one grandson, Carol Knisley III.

Funeral services with Masonic Rites conducted by Keystone Masonic Lodge will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 10th and Laurel in Independence. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory in Independence. Memorial donations may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous, Coffeyville or Independence Group or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and they may be left with the chapel.

Visitation

Webb & Rodrick Chapel
306 W. Main
Independence, KS  67301
Monday, January 29, 2018
6 - 8 p.m.

Service

Funeral Services

First Christian Church
10th and Laurel
Independence, KS  67301
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
2 p.m.

Cemetery

Mount Hope Cemetery
Independence, KS  67301

Memorial Contributions

Alcoholics Anonymous Coffeyville or Independence Group

St. Jude Children's Hospital
P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142
Memphis, TN  38148