David Austell Knepper, beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin, died unexpectedly on Friday, February 22, 2008 in Springfield, Missouri. He was 47.

David was born in Warner Robins, Georgia on May 14, 1960 to Sarah “Sally” Crawley Guyton and Timothy “Tim” Guyton. They divorced in 1964. In 1969, Sally married Beverly “Bev” Knepper, who adopted David and his younger brother, Don, providing a stable family life, love, and support for the rest of their lives.

David’s father had a long career in the Air Force, which meant the family moved frequently and lived in several states over the years: Georgia, Texas, California, and South Carolina. David’s early years were spent in Warner Robins, GA, where he went to elementary school; he attended high school in San Antonio, TX.

David was a hard worker who made his own way from an early age. He trained in bricklaying and construction, eventually becoming a skilled mason, primarily working throughout the Roseville, CA area and later in Sumter, SC. He was a perfectionist who always searched for a way to be proud of his work and to do every job well. He will be remembered for creating beautiful masonry and stone work.

Don is survived by his father Beverly W. Knepper of Piney Flats, TN, sister Brenda (Maureen) Knepper of Long Beach, CA, brothers Steven (Shella) Knepper of Fredericksburg, VA, Brian (Connie) Knepper of Marshall, VA, Scott (Renee) Knepper of Purcellville, VA, brother Don Knepper of Piney Flats, TN, aunts Patricia (Ken) Hartman of Springfield, MO, Joye Stilwell of Piney Flats, TN, and Sandra (Ronn) Ganger of Syracuse, IN, cousins Beverly Blunt, James Asbell, and Richard Asbell of Springfield, MO, his biological father Tim Guyton, as well as many loving friends and relatives. His mother Sally Knepper and aunt Marianne Waller preceded him in death.

David was an outgoing guy who made friends easily, no matter where he lived. He had close friends around the country who will miss him dearly. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was someone who felt and cared deeply. His mother’s passing in 2006 was very hard and he had difficulty coping after that. Ultimately, the pain became unbearable and we lost him to suicide. He will be remembered for his fierce heart and courage, and will be forever in our hearts.

David’s wishes were that his ashes be spread in the Gulf of Mexico at a favorite spot near Destin, Florida with his mother’s cremains. A private burial at sea will take place at a later date.

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