Gerald Knippers
On Thursday, August 24, 2023, Gerald Knippers passed away peacefully at his home in Many, Louisiana at the age of 88.
Gerald was born on September 11, 1934, in the Friendship Community to Curtis and Thelma Knippers. He grew up with his parents, brother, Glenn Knippers and sister, Judy House Cheatwood. Throughout their childhood they enjoyed spending time with family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. In Gerald’s teenage years, the family moved into town to Many where he attended Many High School and was a graduate of the class of 1952.
Upon High School graduation, Gerald enlisted in the Army National Guard of Louisiana where he served for 8 years and was honorably discharged as Sargent First Class. While enlisted, he was employed by Vines, Sabine Furniture Company where he worked as a Television Technician. While making a delivery to Noble, he was greeted at the door by his future wife of 54 years, Dollie Moore Knippers. Gerald and Dollie married in 1956 at Noble Baptist Church in Noble, Louisiana. Their son, Micah Knippers, was born in Many in 1958. Following his marriage to Dollie, Gerald joined the family business in 1960, Glen’s Automotive Parts, where he worked with his father, brother, and sister. Through the business, Gerald faithfully served the community, continued to grow the foundation that was started by his father, became sole owner, and successfully retired and closed the business in 2005.
Throughout his life, Gerald enjoyed being outdoors, was an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener. After losing Dollie to Cancer in 2009, he married Cela Gandy Hambleton Knippers in 2012. Together they enjoyed traveling, gardening, and spending time with grandchildren – Miranda Knippers, Leif Knippers, Emily Hambleton Deese, Kirk Hambleton, Kevin Hambleton, Cece Hambleton, Mark Hambleton, Holly Hambleton, family, and friends.
Gerald was rooted in Sabine Parish, had a deep love for God, family, and country.
Gerald is proceeded in death by his parents Thelma and Curtis Knippers, his wife of 54 years, Dollie Moore Knippers, brother Glenn Knippers, and infant son, Gary Knippers.
He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Cela Gandy Hambleton Knippers and children Robert Hambleton, Scott Hambleton, Tom Hambleton, sister Judy House Cheatwood, son Micah Knippers and wife Kirsten, granddaughter Miranda Knippers and grandson Leif Knippers and wife Austin.
Pallbearers will be Leif Knippers, JC Andries, Thomas Andries, Kevin Hambleton, Kirk Hambleton, Mark Hambleton, Andy Knippers.
Honorary Pallbearers include Bill Andries, Tommy Joe Andries, David Barnhill, Kennith Colston, Tommy Dolham, Robert Hambleton, Scott Hambleton, Tom Hambleton, Danny Lites, Rocky Wright.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Calvary Baptist Church Youth Camp fund or The Patriot Guard in care of Larry Alford 204 Middle Creek Rd. Many, LA 71449 Visitation will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Many on Sunday, August 27 from 3 – 6pm. Funeral services will take place on Monday, August 28 at 2pm at Calvary Baptist Church.
