David Roland Knauss, of Kearney, MO, passed away on April 23, 2025, after a five-year battle with cancer. He was born in Kirksville, MO, on November 13, 1943, to Drs. Austin Roland and Nellie Mae (Thompson) Knauss. He grew up in Lebanon, MO, and graduated from high school there in 1961.
 He graduated from William Jewell College in 1966 with degrees in psychology and biology, and it was there he met his future wife, Bonnie Lynne Swafford, of Rayville, MO. They were married on June 20, 1969, in Richmond, MO, after his discharge from the US Army. He saw active duty in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in battle.
 After five years as a social worker for Jackson County Welfare, he spent 32 years with the Social Security Administration, authorizing benefits and writing decisions for the Administrative Law Judges. He retired in 2007 and took on grandfather status with gusto.
 His kids and grandkids will remember him for his desire to be, “doing something” at all times and his steadfast support of their own individual pursuits. No early morning car drive, rainstorm, or hostile away crowd ever kept him off the sidelines, even in his late 70s, when he enjoyed a weekend by watching multiple grandkids play multiple sports. When he had time to himself, his pursuits were outdoor activities including cave exploring, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, running, and travel. From family trips with the kids, to back packing Europe in middle age, to bus tours with other Senior Citizens, he and Bonnie travelled 49 of the 50 states, Canada, Europe, Mexico, and spent winters in Florida during their retirement.
 David was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dr. Michael Knauss; brother Daniel Knauss; sister-in-law Margaret (VanStavern) Knauss; sister Mary Kay Knight and brother-in-law Roger Knight. He is survived by his spouse of the home; one sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Rev. Randall Bunch of Eldon, MO; one sister-in-law Pat (Chapman) Knauss of Liberty, MO; son Jonathan R Knauss (wife Karen Lindgren) of Chicago; daughter Mary Lynne Gallimore (husband Erik) of Brentwood, TN; four grandchildren, Bailey Gallimore, Landon Gallimore, Austin Knauss, and Katherine Knauss; one niece, four nephews, and several great-nephews and nieces..
 Cremation, Celebration of Life and inurnment will be held at a future date.
 Thurman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please remember to share your memories of David by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.