He was born on Sept. 21, 1939, in Parsons to Guy A. and Lorna (Ellis) Knarr. He grew up in Parsons and graduated from Parsons High School in 1957. He also attended Parsons Junior College and graduated from Pittsburg State University.
He spent his entire working life in the insurance claims profession and built and maintained a reputation for honesty, fairness, loyalty and integrity.
He had lived in several places in his adult years, including Overland Park, Kan., Altus, Okla., Oklahoma City, Okla., Franklin, Tenn., Denver, Colo., Houston and Austin, (Dripping Springs), Texas.
In his youth in Parsons, he was active in the DeMolay organization, for which he served as master councilor. He was also active, with his family, in Washington Avenue Methodist Church. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, Shrine and the Royal Order of Jesters. He was always ready to travel and participate in the various realms in the pursuit of mirth and fun in these organizations where he met several lifelong friends.
Bill loved family, “green,” playing golf and walking his spoiled and beloved schnauzers. Bill’s unique sense of humor, razor wit, intelligence and work ethic endeared him to all who knew him. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and co-worker and will be greatly missed by all.
He married Patricia Ann Hughes, his high school classmate, on Aug. 29, 1959, at Washington Avenue Methodist Church in Parsons.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Patricia Ann (Hughes) Knarr of the home; a son, Stuart A. Knarr and his wife, Michal, of Edmond, Okla.; a daughter-in-law, Jacque Knarr, of Liberal; a sister, Delores Lacey, of Oswego; his mother-in-law and sister-in-law, Edith Hughes and Debbie Hughes, both of Gladstone, Mo.; a sister-in-law, Susie (Johnson) Hughes, of Topeka; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents and a son, Guy Alfred Knarr II, who died on April 15, 2011, in Liberal, Kan.
The memorial visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. July 9 at Carson-Wall Funeral Home.
The family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses and caregivers who assisted in his final journey.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Labette Community College Foundation for the “Pathway to the Future” campaign. They may be left at or sent to the funeral home, Box 942, Parsons, 67357.
Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
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