Willie Knippers

WILLIE KNIPPERS Graveside services for Willie Knippers a longtime Cortez resident will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 29 at the Cortez Cemetery with Military Honors being provided by Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75. Willie was born May 10, 1924 in Many, La. the son of Willie Dewitt and Ona Roberta (Dupree) Knippers. He passed away at Southwest Memorial Hospital on Friday, December 19, 2008 at the age of 84. On March 14, 1948 in Magnolia, Ark., Willie married Virginia Fay Ferguson. Together they shared 60 years of marriage. Willie was a 50 years member of Magnolia Masonic Lodge #82. In 1957 Willie and Virginia moved to Cortez. He loved playing his guitar; in the 1960s he was a member of Country Boys Band and more recently he enjoyed the company of friends sharing music. Willie is survived by his wife, Virginia Knippers of Cortez; two sons, Johnny Dewitt Knippers and wife, Elaine of Tulatin, Ore. and Douglas Lee Knippers and wife, Jerri of Hooper, Utah; by eight grandchildren, Dr. Johnny D. Knippers Jr., Holly Knippers, Laurel Knippers, Michael Knippers, Richard Knippers, Crystal Knippers, Kammie Lloyd and Kody Kallas; and by 10 great grandchildren. Also surviving Willie are two brothers, Walker Knippers and Wayne Knippers; and by two sisters, Mildred Baldridge and Sue Morgan. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Willard Russell Knippers.