Paul “Boots” Charles Knecht passed away peacefully from this life on April 5, 2022.
Paul was born on February 24, 1932, in Okarche, Oklahoma, to Leo Valentine and Rose Gorman Knecht. He was a lifelong resident of Okarche and a Holy Trinity Catholic School graduate, revered for his pitching skills that contributed to the baseball team’s coveted state title.
In 1953, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served as a Corporal. After completing his military service in 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Wittrock. The two settled in Okarche, where they raised their five children.
Paul supported his family through farming, ranching and commercial trucking but found raising cattle the most rewarding. In retirement, he never passed up a round of golf with his classmates and discovered great joy in gardening, often sharing the fruits of his labor with local seniors. Paul also enjoyed the craft of woodworking and shared his unique creations with his children.
Paul was an active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where he served as an usher and Eucharistic Minister. He also served his community as a volunteer for events and was a long-time member of the Okarche Lions Club.
Paul’s legacy includes a loving family and living his faith through acts of kindness and generosity. We will never forget Boot’s incredible sense of humor, soft spot for animals and fondness for sharing in community and worship, especially his love for music and singing. He never knew a stranger, and all who knew him will miss him immensely.
Paul is survived by his children, Janice (Hank) McCormick, Denny (Melissa) Knecht, Steve (Chris) Knecht, Dale Knecht and Carol (Jeff) Dixon; his grandchildren, Brandi, Randy, Tucker, Valerie, Blake, Taylor and Chloe; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Catherine Knecht (Sister Ida), Francis Knecht, Dorothy Krittenbrink, Marie Fiegner, and William (Bill) Knecht; son, Paul; grandchildren, Tyler and Katlyn; and Ruth, his devoted wife of 59 years.
Paul’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at St. Katharine Drexel for creating a warm and caring environment for him and their gratitude to Traditions Health for providing compassionate care in his final days.
Vigil services will be Sunday, April 10th at 7 p.m., and Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, April 11th at 10:30 a.m. Both services will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Okarche under the direction of Huber-Benson Funeral Home of El Reno.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Paul’s memory to St. Katharine Drexel, 301 W. Wade Street, El Reno, Ok 73036.
