Joe Ben Knapp

Joe Ben Knapp, 83, of Amarillo, Texas passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026.

Memorial service will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, May 15, 2026 at the Church of Christ at the Colonies Chapel, 4500 Wesley Rd. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Joe was born in Corona, California on August 13, 1942 to George and Helen Knapp. Joe married Norma Jean “Jeanie” Cole in June 1962 in Corona, California. Having first met as classmates in kindergarten, they were reunited during their senior year of high school. After they married, Joe and Jeanie settled in nearby Norco where they built a life together and raised their two daughters.

Joe worked for 3M Company for more than 20 years, serving as a quarry supervisor. Throughout his life, he enjoyed many hobbies including showing horses, woodworking, homebuilding, and buying and restoring antiques. A self-taught craftsman long before the era of online tutorials, Joe was known for his remarkable ability to build and repair almost anything. He took great pride in the art of craftsmanship and the quality of his work.

Joe and Jeanie traveled frequently to the East Coast in search of antiques, which they later sold through their antique shop and at antique shows throughout California and Oregon. After retirement, they relocated to northern California, where they continued their antique business before eventually moving to Amarillo to be closer to their grandchildren.

Joe was a Christian and a devoted member of The Colonies Church of Christ. Though he was a man of few words, he was deeply respected by many friends and acquaintances for his integrity, calm demeanor, and willingness to help others with their projects and repairs.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanie, of Amarillo; daughter Tracey Blue of Crawford, Scotland; daughter Darla Marcear and husband Rick of Amarillo; grandchild Mary-Claire Leigh-Manuell and husband Triston of Royce City, Texas; grandchild Sam Marcear and wife Faith of Bixby, OK; and one great-grandchild, Bonnie Jean Leigh-Manuell.