In loving memory

Meador Funeral Home – Whitesboro

Memorial Service –
Saturday, January 20, 2024 – 2:00 pm
Meador Funeral Home Chapel, Hwy 377, Whitesboro, TX

DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES THE MEMORIAL IS BEING MOVED TO MEADOR FUNERALHOME, WHITESBORO, TX

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Elbert Lee (Buddy) Kniss               9/15/54-11/29/23

Elbert Lee Kniss was the youngest of three sons born to Francis Wayne Kniss and Beulah Estes Kniss on September 15, 1954.  He was named for his uncle Elbert Jones and aunt Rose Lee Estes because they shared the same birthdate.  However, everyone knew him as Buddy and his personality fit the name.

Buddy graduated from Gainesville High School in 1973.  He married Jana Slaten Kniss in 1976 and they had one son, Joshue Lee Kniss.  Buddy worked for Santa Fe Railroad and Peterbilt.  He retired from Peterbilt in 2017.  He was a volunteer for the Gainesville Fire Department and also worked as an EMT in various places in Cooke and Grayson County.

One of the greatest joys of Buddy’s life was his love of music.  He was in the band in high school playing both the saxophone and clarinet.  He loved all types of music, particularly music from the 30’s and 40’s.  Buddy was a member of the Gainesville Swing Orchestra during the early years of the band.  He also directed the handbell choir at Whitesboro First United Methodist Church for a time.

Buddy also enjoyed playing in the church softball league.  He coached both a ladies softball team and his son’s little league baseball team.

Buddy never met a stranger, and no one was safe from his practical jokes.  He had a talent for making you laugh or smile.  With regards to “birth order” he believed the rules did not apply to him.

He is survived by his son, Joshua Kniss & wife, Micah.  Three grandsons, Jimmy, Wyatt & Max. One granddaughter, Katelyn Metcalf. Brothers, Ken (Wanna) and Ronny (Terri). Cousins, Joe Bob (Mikki), Gerald (Leigh) Jones and numerous nephews and nieces.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 2:00 pm in Meador Funeral Home Chapel, Hwy 377, Whitesboro, Texas