Donald “Don” Harold Knepper, beloved brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin, passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at his home in Gray, Tennessee. He was 57.

Don was born in Orlando, Florida on November 1, 1964 to Sarah “Sally” and Bill Bryden. Their brief marriage ended in January 1966. In 1969, Sally married Beverly “Bev” Knepper, who adopted Don and his older brother, David, providing a stable family life, love, and support for many decades.

Don’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, South Carolina and Tennessee. Don’s early years were spent in Warner Robins, GA, where he went to elementary school; he graduated from high school in San Antonio, TX and attended community college in California, before enlisting for a short stint in the U.S. Navy.

Don had a rewarding career as a long-haul truck driver, putting in thousands of miles from coast to coast across the United States. For many years, he chose a life of travel, and the autonomy and freedom of the road. Don took pride in his work, skills, and dependability. Professional truck drivers are the lifeblood of our economy; the essential and demanding nature of the work they do is crucial to the nation. And while the scenic views from the driver’s seat are a great perk, Don also said he could write a book about the people and activities he’d seen from the cab of his big rig.

Perhaps because of his trucking career and its lifestyle, Don never married or had children. He bought a home in Tennessee in 2011 and attempted to settle down and stay in one place. He worked a variety of short haul trucking and temporary jobs until mounting health issues caught up with him.

Don is survived by his sister Brenda (Maureen) Knepper of Long Beach, CA, brothers Steven (Shella) Knepper of Fredericksburg, VA, Brian (Connie) Knepper of Front Royal, VA, and Scott (Renee) Knepper of Phoenix, MD, aunts Patricia Hartman of Springfield, MO, Joye Stilwell of Fort Wayne, IN, and Sandra (Ronn) Ganger of Syracuse, IN, cousins Beverly Blunt and Richard Asbell of Springfield, MO, his biological father Bill Bryden of Cape Coral, FL, as well as many loving friends and relatives. His mother Sally Knepper, brother David Knepper, and aunt Marianne Waller preceded him in death; his dad Bev Knepper passed away very recently in January 2022.

Special thanks go to his friends in Gray, TN for their support during Don’s recent hospitalizations: Tracey Frazier, Matthew Newberry, and Cody Russell.

Don had a sweet soul and will be dearly missed. Those near him always felt love, care and empathy when he was around. He was loyal and dedicated to his family members, especially his brother David, until he passed in 2008. He was a good friend to co-workers and neighbors, always generous and offering help when needed. The memories of Don’s kindness and good nature will stay with us always.

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

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“Down all the highways that you travel,

Blacktop, stone and even gravel,

On every journey through and through,

May God’s angels ride with you.”

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