Leonard Elvin Knipe

Memorial services for Leonard Elvin Knipe, 79, of Longview, will be 10 am Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at the Rader Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. James "Butch" Tanner officiating. Interment will follow at Rosewood Park. Pallbearers will be Jim Barron, Sid Brown, Don Davis, Robert Holcomb, Stephen McDaniel and David Pierce. The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 25, 2013 from 6 until 8 p. m. at the funeral home. Mr. Knipe passed away Sunday, June 23, 2013 after a long illness. Leonard was the son of Viola and Carl Knipe, and was born July 9, 1933 in the Cookville community. He spent most of his younger years in Mount Pleasant, Texas, graduating from Mount Pleasant High School. Leonard served in the Armed Forces from 1955 to 1957 while stationed in Colorado Springs, CO. He then went on to continue his education at the University of Houston where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1966. Leonard was employed by Continental Can Company and Crown, Cork and Seal for over 40 years. He was a registered professional engineer and held seven U.S. and foreign patents along with his company. After retirement, Leonard never stopped his relentless pursuit of challenging work. For many years he was a computer consultant, creating, installing and maintaining computer software for several businesses in Longview. Whatever he set out to do, he accomplished. He achieved his dream of flying in the 1980's when he received his private pilot's license. Recreational flying then became a favorite hobby. Leonard really enjoyed spending time working in his workshop creating and building with his hands. Whether it was building a television set from scratch, or restoring a 1955 Thunderbird convertible to its original beauty, his process was meticulous and the results were perfection. One particular project he enjoyed working on immensely, along with his dear friend, Stephen McDaniel, was building an outdoor reflector telescope consisting of a curved mirror that he ground himself. His accomplishments and awards are numerous. But one of his proudest moments was when Rogers Pope presented him the honor of being chosen as Longview's Employee of the Year. He was a member of Oakland Heights Baptist Church and loved going to services. Leonard was his family's "Leonardo"' a brilliant and gifted man, husband, father and grandfather who shared his gifts with and for others, never thinking of himself. He loved his grandchildren and they were the delight of his life, along with his tow precious West Highland Terriers, Tucker and Beamer. Leonard is survived by the love of his life for 56 years, Glenda; his son, Randy and his wife, Stacy and their children, Kelly, Dalton and Kristin of Prosper, Texas; his daughter, Kim and husband Mark Strong and their children, Lauren of Austin, Texas and Lacy of Lufkin, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and one sister. The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice and Crest Care Nursing Home for their loving care. "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Phil. 1:20-21 NIV

Leonard Elvin Knipe

July 9, 1933 - June 23, 2013