Gary Joseph Knotts

February 14, 1938 - October 15, 2021

Gary J. Knotts, 83, went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 15, 2021 at the Wapakoneta Manor with his wife and daughter by his side. Gary was born on February 14, 1938 in New Hampshire, Ohio to the late Galen and Nevelyn (Jackson) Knotts. On July 9, 1977 he married Linda Cory, who survives along with their two daughters, Julie (Tony) Huelskamp, Wapakoneta, Ohio and Vicki (Eric) Janssen, Huntsville, Alabama. Also surviving is his brother, Jerald (Connie) Knotts, his sister, Colette (Bob) McGinnis, and his brother-in-law, James D (Marellan) Cory. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren, Joseph (Heather) Huelskamp, Emily (Kevin) Shappell, Troy (Mia) Huelskamp, Kristina (Chris) Donovan, Amanda (Perry) Washburn, Kelsey Janssen, Andrew (Carly) Janssen, Kaitlyn (Geoff) Gagat, Alexa Janssen, Kelli Janssen, Abby (Cory) Smith, and Bobbie (Tom) Hahne. He was also Gramps to 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Matthew J. Knotts. Gary graduated from Waynesfield High School and attended Kent State University. He worked at Warner Swazey and Gasdorf in Lima. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed building and flying remote control airplanes. He was a faithful member of Lima Community Church of the Nazarene, where he taught Sunday school, was a greeter and directed and participated in many Living Christmas Trees. He enjoyed attending and filming his grandchildren’s events, but most of all, he loved spending time with family and friends. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 19, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a Celebration of Life to follow at 12 p.m. at Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, with Pastor Doug Boquist officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Lima Community Church of the Nazarene. Private family graveside services of his cremated remains will be at at later date. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com. The family would like to thank Wapakoneta Manor for the wonderful care and compassion showed to Gary during his stay there.