Thomas Knipstein

Thomas Edward Knipstein entered this world on April 5,1953 in Freeport, Texas and passed away on March 13, 2026 in Plano with his family by his side. As soon as he was born, Thomas stole the hearts of his loving parents, Edward Louis and Robbie Marion and his brother Robert Charles (Joe) and sister Mary. Thomas completed the family perfectly. Growing up in a small town was idyllic with playing baseball in the front yard, riding bikes until Mom called us home or it got dark, attending the First Baptist Church frequently and being educated by excellent teachers. After high school Thomas morphed into "Tom" as he traveled to Dallas to begin his life as an adult. His first job there was with Blue Cross Blue Shield. During his time with BCBS he met other young men that remained his friends throughout life and each made his life richer. He also met and fell in love with an attractive young woman named Rita Woolridge who was to become his wife. An added bonus was Rita's young daughter, Lisa, who Tom welcomed with open arms. Tom and Rita married on February 9,1979 and, about this time, the trio moved to Royse City where Rita had inherited land. It was on this land that they built a home and their lives. They remained married until Rita's death in 2017. Tom was hired by the Royse City School System where he worked until his retirement. There were very few things he couldn't fix, mend, repair or make better. He was an asset to them and he enjoyed his time working there. After retirement he spent his time "tinkering" with a variety of interests. He made furniture, did welding, completed electrical jobs for friends, collected arrowheads at the deer lease, studied World War II, hunted deer, enjoyed cooking and was the best friend a person could want. If you needed help, Tom was your man. Thomas loved and was loved. He will be missed. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. He is survived by Joe (wife Nhung), Mary (husband Walt), Lisa (husband Blake) and sister in law Marty (husband Gary), as well as other extended family members and many friends. Funeral service will be at 11:00am, Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Chisholm Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Rita. His family will receive friends beginning at 10:00am to service time.

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Thomas Knipstein

April 5, 1953 - March 13, 2026