William R. Knapton

A memorial celebration for William R. Knapton, 77, a 36-year Carson City resident, will be at 4 p.m. today at his home.

Mr. Knapton died July 15, 2006, in Carson City. He was born March 2, 1929, in Trenton, Neb., to Glen R. Knapton and Gladys R. Brown Knapton.

He was raised in Carlton, Ore.

He graduated from Carlton High School in Carleton and Arizona State University. He never missed a high school reunion.

He co-owned and operated Nevada Precision Fabricators and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

He was a member of the Carson City Aero Squadron and the Quiet Birdmen as a pilot; was a car collector and member of the Carson City Studebaker Club; and was a dedicated member of the Lincoln Highway Association and spent much of his time retracing the old highway route.

Among his friends are longtime companion, Opal Nelson of Carson City; daughter and son-in-law Debra and Steven Kijima of Spokane Valley, Wash.; daughter Judi Miles of Carson City; sisters Noreen Horning of Oregon and Patricia Beaty of New Mexico; brothers Stanley and Norman Knapton, both of Colorado; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren;, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Mary's Hospice Fund or the Nevada Sierra Chapter of the Lincoln Highway Association.

Capitol City Cremation is in charge of arrangements.