Corky Knock

Knock, Corky John, 81, of Wichita, passed away on February 28, 2015 after a long and valiant battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Corky was born in Kansas City, Missouri and raised on a farm during the Great Depression in Independence, Missouri. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps immediately upon graduating from William Chrisman High School in 1951. He served as Platoon Sergeant and Rifle Company Squad Leader in the 1st Marine Division in the Korean War, Drill Instructor at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego and Combat Instructor at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. In return for his service, Corky attended and graduated from The University of Missouri on the G.I. Bill. He retired as Vice President of Sales from Arkema, Inc. after a long career in the chemical industry where he worked in California and Texas before settling in Kansas. He enjoyed playing tennis with his fellow Hacker buddies, restoring old cars and living by his motto “always leave them laughing”. He was known for his one-liners and sharp wit. He embodied all the qualities of the Greatest Generation with his service to country, strong work ethic, humility and self-reliance. He was truly one of a kind. Corky is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathleen, his daughter Karoline (Christopher) Felts of Austin, Texas, son John (Julie) Knock of Sugar Land, Texas and four grandchildren, Andrew Felts, Jason Felts, Ellie Felts and Tyler Knock. He was a loving, generous, compassionate husband, father, and grandfather who will be missed each and every day. A memorial service celebrating Corky’s life will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 600 N. Greenwich, at 1:30 pm, on Friday, March 6. Family and friends are invited to a reception following the service at Crestview Country Club, 1000 North 127th Street East. The family would like to thank Dr. Katherine Widnell and Erika Wade, PA, as well as the staff at Veranda Senior Living, Cypress Springs of Wichita and Gentiva Hospice for the compassionate care they gave to Corky. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Corky’s name to Victory in the Valley, 3755 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67218 or Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 600 N. Greenwich, Wichita, KS 67206. Share condolences at www.CozineMemorial.com. Services by Broadway Mortuary.

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