Donald Joseph Knoke

Donald Joseph Knoke, 62, of Rogers, Ark., died unexpectedly on Jan. 9, 2017. Don was born on June 15, 1954 in York, Pa., to Charles and Mary Ann Knoke. The Knoke family moved to Rogers in 1961, where Don attended St. Vincent de Paul and Rogers Public Schools until the family moved to Tonkawa, OK in 1970. Don graduated from Tonkawa High School in 1972, and embarked on a welding career at Wetmore Mfg. Co. He later moved oil rigs for Big J Trucking, before moving his family to Rogers in 1991. He designed and built boat docks on Beaver Lake for Woody's Boat Dock Co. until retiring. In addition to being a train enthusiast, Don enjoyed playing his guitar with his friends and his son. Don is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Charles; mother, Mary Ann Knoke; and siblings Suzanne (Vernon) Cunningham, and Annette (Tony) Roller, all of Rogers; Kevin Knoke, Bentonville, Ark.; Margie Aubuchon, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Heidi Hills, West, Texas; and Jennifer (Tony) Southard, Stanardsville, Va. Also surviving are his grandmother, Mary Knoke, York, Pa.; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Don was preceded in death by his father, Charles Knoke. Don was known among his family and friends for his wit, his jokes (some good, some not so good), and contagious laughter. He will be missed. A private family service will be held to honor his life. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers.