Richard Edward ‘Ed’ Knafel
Richard Edward “Ed” Knafel, 83, of Wabash, died at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at Community Hospital North in Indianapolis. He was born Dec. 28, 1931 in Jefferson Township, Noble County, Indiana to Arthur and Elsie (Ennen) Knafel.
Ed was married to Betty Jo Kelham, and she survives. He was a Seabee in the US Navy. He was the regional manager for General Telephone Company retiring after 35 years, and also worked and retired from the First National Bank/ Norwest Bank in Wabash, several years. Ed was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Wabash, a 57 year member of Hannah Masonic Lodge in Wabash, the Fort Wayne Scottish Rite and Mizpah Shrine, and a longtime member of the Wabash Rotary Club. His passions were golfing and his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife: Betty Jo Knafel, Wabash; two sons: Tom (Susan) Knafel, Cicero; and Pat Knafel, Noblesville; four grandchildren: Brock Knafel, Hilton Head, South Carolina; Blair Knafel, Caramel, Indiana; Matt Knafel, Chicago; and Carrie Lord, Cicero; and one sister: Helen. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and two sisters.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, May 11, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the funeral home, with Rev. Melinda Kammerer officiating. Entombment will be in the Chapel of Remembrance Mausoleum at Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash.
Preferred memorial is Shriners Hospitals for Children.