Thomas's obituary
September 17, 1938 – September 8, 2020
Thomas E. Knarr, 81, of Fleetwood, PA, passed away in his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. He was the loving husband of Donna J. (Dunkelberger) Knarr for 61 years. Tom was born in Reading, Pennsylvania to the late Charles S. and Virginia (Finkbone) Knarr.
In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by 4 children: his daughter, Debbie Young & husband, Brian of Fleetwood, PA; his daughter, Dr. Wendy Schuen & husband, Richard of Sunbury, OH; his daughter, Lori Nase & husband, Dr. Wm. Brian of Schnecksville, PA; and his son, Michael T. Knarr of Fleetwood, PA. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Courtney Taney & husband Shaun; the late infant Jonathan Schuen; Amber Adams & husband Michael; Jonathan Schuen & wife Katharine; Kyle Nase; Dr. Katherine Palacios & husband Andres; Dr. Kelsey Rosales & husband Carlos; and Benjamin, Meredith, Elizabeth, & Paige Schuen. He is also survived by 6 great-grandchildren: Kameron & MacKenzie Adams; Jackson & Harper Taney; Amelia Schuen and Micah Palacios.
Tom began working at age 16 at the Berkshire Knitting Mills in Reading, PA. He then worked at Air Products in Allentown, PA. By the age of 30, he started his own business, Tom's Painting and Construction, which he successfully ran for 35 years. In 1997, he and his family built Grand View Manor, an assisted living center in Fleetwood, PA, which he served as president.
At the age of 12, Tom became a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and currently is a member of the Hampden Heights SDA congregation in Temple, PA. He has served as church deacon, and coordinated church building projects. He served as school board chairman at Reading Junior Academy, in Reading, PA during the time his children attended this Christian grade school.
Tom was an excellent scratch golfer. He won many tournaments, twice had a hole in one, and held the course record at one golf course. He played golf in 21 different states. He loved playing golf with his brothers, and was always considered the brother to beat. Tom and his wife loved to travel and visited 39 different countries, and 5 continents. He especially loved Africa and Switzerland.
Tom was devoted to his wife, family, and church. He was hardworking, honest, practical, and very generous. He was a man of few words chosen wisely, and at times with a sense of humor. Although humble and quiet in his ways, he had an intensity to do the right thing. His family and friends knew they could always depend on him for anything they needed. He was a Godly role model and prayer warrior for his family.
Tom was the oldest of 9 children: the late Ronald Knarr of Blandon, PA; the late Sandra (Knarr) Hillegas of Fleetwood, PA; Kenneth Knarr & wife Sandy and Edward Knarr & wife Beverly, all of Blandon, PA; the late Christine (Knarr) Bayne & husband Gary of Auburn, PA; Daniel Knarr & wife Susan of New Ringgold, PA; the late infant Timothy Knarr of Fleetwood, PA; and Timothy Knarr & late wife Linda of Blandon, PA.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 4:00pm at the Hampden Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2706 Old Pricetown Road, Temple, PA 19560. A private burial will take place at the Fleetwood Cemetery in Fleetwood, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Eyes for India Project, It Is Written, P.O. Box 6, Chattanooga, TN, 37401. In memo, please write “Thomas Knarr Memorial.” Online donations can be made at https://www.itiswritten.com/e…
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Memories & condolences
Our hearts are very saddened and we send our best to Tom’s loving and dear wife and family. We long for that day when …
Our hearts are very saddened and we send our best to Tom’s loving and dear wife and family. We lon…
Our hearts are very saddened and we send our best to Tom’s lovin…
I worked with Tom over the years. As an interior designer I was able to utilize his services as a painter and paper han…
I worked with Tom over the years. As an interior designer I was able to utilize his services as a p…
I worked with Tom over the years. As an interior designer I was …
Dear Donna and family: Sending you condolences and courage from afar. May your happy memories sustain and soothe you …
Dear Donna and family: Sending you condolences and courage from afar. May your happy memories sus…
Dear Donna and family: Sending you condolences and courage from…
Precious memories how they linger, how they ever flood my soul. Rest in peace my friend. We will see you again on the e…
Precious memories how they linger, how they ever flood my soul. Rest in peace my friend. We will se…
Precious memories how they linger, how they ever flood my soul. …