Roy Lee Knicley, Sr.

Roy Lee Knicley, Sr., born on March 24, 1934, in Hume, Illinois, peacefully entered into the presence of his Savior on April 12, 2026, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Iowa.

Roy proudly served his country as an Army company clerk stationed at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Known for his hard work and diligent nature, his varied career included the owner of a gas station, a grocery store assistant manager, and a postal carrier in Tuscola, Illinois from which he retired after eighteen years. Roy enjoyed gardening, poetry, music, tinkering, and spending time with his family.

Roy and his beloved wife, Shirley Jean (Emrick) Knicley, were married for 68 years at the time of her passing on May 21, 2022. Their partnership fostered an enriching sense of community through their inclusive and spirited hospitality ranging from ballroom dancing to ice cream socials, sharing meals, and generously meeting others’ needs having cared for 38 foster children.

Family members and friends fondly recall Roy as a gentle, respectful, polite, quiet sense of humor, and contented man of faith. Immediate family held a private viewing to celebrate his life and share memories.

Roy is survived by his son, Roy Knicley Jr. (Jene) of Des Moines, Iowa; his son, Tony Knicley (Barb) of Harned, Kentucky; eight grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Vern and Cleo; four siblings, Noel, Grace, Ronald, and Helen.

Special thanks go to the staff at the Iowa Veterans Home for the compassionate care they provided.

Roy’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched with kindness, love, and devotion.