Aug 3, 1954 — Oct 8, 2026
Overland Park, Kansas
Donald “Don” Lee Knapp, 72, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on October 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, after courageously fighting cancer for more than four years.
Don was born on August 3, 1954, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Charles and Frances Knapp. He graduated from Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1972 and joined the U.S. Army that same year. After basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he completed advanced individual training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, as a supply specialist, and he served his entire tour of duty there. In 1973, he was honored to serve as part of the Honor Guard for the private service and burial of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Don was honorably discharged in 1974.
After the Army, Don earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Park University. He built a career in public service, working in commercial sales for the United States Post Office. He spent a few years in the private sector before returning to the United States Postal Service, where he retired.
Don was married to Sharon for 45 years. Together they loved to travel, and he treasured time at the lake with Sharon and his brother and friends. Always active, Don was an avid runner and a regular at the gym.
Above all, Don loved his family deeply and would do anything for them. He worked hard to make everything memorable, from family vacations and camping trips to air shows and holidays. Don was funny and always had a joke ready to lighten the mood. He was a simple man who didn’t need much, didn’t ask for much, and never wanted anyone to fuss over him.
Don is survived by his wife, Sharon; his children, Mindy Kenyon (Robert), Mark Jensen (Wendy), Brita Horton (Lance), and Lori Lucas; his brothers, Charlie Knapp (Betty), Steven Knapp, and Frank Knapp; 13 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and 7 nieces and 6 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Frances Knapp, and his sister, Cindy Carter.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 15, at 2:00 PM at Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Garden, 11200 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66210.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Don’s name to the American Cancer Society.
Obituary published by Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens.
