Thomas Knaggs

MSGT Thomas Anthony Knaggs (USAF, Ret.) of Royse City, TX, peacefully passed away the morning of April 26, 2018 in his home with family at his side. He was born in Toledo, OH on September 5, 1941 to Richard E. and Joanna (Mikosz) Knaggs, both preceded him in death. Tom grew up in the Toledo area and graduated from Macomber Vocational Technical High School in 1959. Soon after his high school graduation, Tom enlisted in the Air Force, served honorably, and retired in October 1980 as a Master Sergeant. Before marriage, Tom served in Turkey and Japan. On March 20, 1964 Tom married the love of his life, Martha Williams, at the chapel on Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, AL. In 1966, he was called to serve in the Vietnam War; Martha, with one daughter and another on the way, moved home to Michigan to live with her family until Tom returned stateside. As with a typical military family, Tom and Martha moved many times while raising their family to several Air Force Bases including Eielson AFB, Fairbanks, AK, Kincheloe AFB, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and Edwards AFB, Rosamond, CA where Tom assisted with development of the B-1 aircraft and on the cruise missile. After his military retirement, Tom became a member of the American Legion. He also entered the civil workforce and worked for Raytheon for 18 years. When Tom chose to “re-retire,” he and Martha move back to Texas to enjoy their days at their country home in Royse City. Tom worked at the Rockwall Airport in administrative and operational activities from 2002 to 2005. In July 2005, he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which caused him to live his remaining life in a wheelchair, but that never deterred him from enjoying life. Tom, even at a young age, had a love of fishing, especially deep sea fishing, reading, and watching sports. A loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and a well-known “Mr. Fix-It” by his family, Tom will be missed greatly by all who knew him. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Martha Knaggs of Royse City, Texas; daughters: Karen (Randall) Rash of Rockwall, TX and Robyn Knaggs of Chillicothe, TX; grandchildren: Michael Haws, Cody (Angela) Jensen, and Christopher (Ashley) Rash; brothers: Richard H. Knaggs of CA and Donald (Pamela) Knaggs of Bella Vista, AR; nieces and nephews: Brandon (Natalie) Knaggs, Christine (Ronald) Anderson, Julie (Bartek) Landsdorf, and Gregory Knaggs, as well as many other extended family and a host of friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 A.M. on Monday, April 30, 2018 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Terrell by Rev. James P. Orosco with an interment to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Rowlett with full military honors. The family will receive family and friends from 4 to 6 P.M. on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Max Slayton Funerals then the Rosary will be recited at 6 P.M.

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Thomas Knaggs

September 5, 1941 - April 26, 2018