David Edward Knauss, age 96, of Panama City, Florida joined his heavenly father on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.  David was born January 22, 1928 in Nerstrand, Minnesota to Willard and Agnes Knauss.  A lifelong member of First Baptist Church, David was confident in his faith and the promise of Heaven.

David served his country proudly for over 20 years in the United States Air Force. He and his wife Modray enjoyed being stationed at various bases in Alaska, California, New Jersey and finally at Tyndall Air Force Base. After his Air Force retirement he continued to serve as a civilian at the Navy Lab in Panama City Beach. He served First Baptist Church for many years volunteering his skills with audiovisual equipment.  David could fix anything, loved photography, electronics, and Sunday crossword puzzles.  He became a beekeeper, nurtured fruit trees, enjoyed hunting and fishing at the "river", and was an avid member of a coffee club.  David loved all sports, especially Atlanta Braves baseball and Minnesota Vikings football.  He was a great outdoor griller, savored seafood, steak and gumbo, but most of all  - he loved his family.  He was happy to be the vacation location and hosted countless family and friends through the years.  He also enjoyed traveling and visits with family in his home state of Minnesota.  He was sometimes known as a man of few words, but when he spoke up, we all paid very close attention.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Judy Gardner of Alpharetta, GA; son Michael Knauss and wife Amy of Buford, GA; sister Barbara Roach of Fairibault, Minnesota; grandchildren Emily Gardner Blackburn and husband Oliver of Atlanta, GA, Abigail Gardner Manos and husband Jim of Atlanta, GA, Addison and Owen Knauss of Buford, GA; great grandchildren Madelyn Blackburn and Caroline Manos; sisters-in-law Ivey Cooley, Alice Cooley and Olivia Cooley; nieces and nephews Kathryn Elliott, Patricia Hendrickson, Julie Wigersma, Roberta Roach, Paul and John Knauss, Tommy Jr. and Elizabeth Cooley Nelson, Terry Wirt, Wally and Kim Cooley, Ronnie and Richard Cooley, Royce Clark, David and Sandra Crews, Rhonda Jean Neese, Joy Brittain, Mark and Mitchell Cooley; great grand-pups Scout, Archie and Louie; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who each held a special place in David's heart.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 72 years Modray Knauss, parents, Willard and Agnes Knauss; brother, Erland (Joe) Knauss and wife June; brothers-in-law Earl Cooley and wife Margie, Glen Cooley, Don Cooley, Paul Cooley, Tommy Mitchell Cooley, Harold Cooley and wife Helen; sister-in-law, Sarah Grace Crews and husband Gene; and his son-in-law Max Gardner, Jr.

Family and friends will be received at 9am on Wednesday, September 4th at Wilson Funeral Home in Panama City.  Funeral services will be held immediately following at 10am with Pastor Mark Cooley officiating.  A graveside service with full military honors will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

David will be missed every day by his family and friends but we smile remembering the many years and wonderful memories we were blessed to share with him.