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Leon Knauss
Mt. Vernon, Illinois
October 15, 1965 - January 10, 2026
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Leon Knauss Obituary
Leon Charles Knauss, 60, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, at home, surrounded by his family. Leon was born on October 15, 1965 in Mt. Vernon, IL to John M. and Betty J. (Henson) Knauss.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
He is survived by his loving wife, Donella (Schmidt) Knauss; children, Kelly (Michael) Reed, Rhiannon Cates, and Andrea Cates; grand children, Hazel Reed, Elizabeth Reed, Makila (Anthony) Conner, Colter Puckett and special friend Gibson, Mason (Eddie) Poole, Jaidyn Finney, Kamron Cates, and Kasen Poston; great grand children, Addilyn, Scarlett and Braxton; siblings, Robert M. Knauss and life long partner Donna Bartlett and Rhonda (Ray) Douglas of SC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Leon spent many years enjoying being a semi driver. He later worked at Ecolab as a Pest Control Specialist. He was a former member of the A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education, A.B.A.T.E Chapter 27 of Illinois. He was also a son of the American Legions. He was a devout member and very involved at Bailey Church in Wayne City.
Leon married the love of his life, Donella on July 24, 1989. Together they raised their wonderful daughters. Then they enjoyed many years taking vacation, traveling the country, which included the “Lower 48” and Canada, on a Harley Davidson. Together they rightfully earned and won the “Iron Butt” contest. He also enjoyed deer hunting and skeet shooting. He had fun resale shopping, especially for his girls. He made sure they got plenty of clothes. Even if they didn’t fit, he knew they would grow into them or pass them down to the next. Most of all, Leon loved spending time with his family and watching them grow.
Leon is, and will always be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A visitation will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hughey Funeral home 1314 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, IL. A service will be held on Tuesday, January 13. 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Bailey Church, 1214 Co. Hwy 12, Wayne City, IL. Leon will be laid to rest following the service at Thomason Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Leon’s family.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leon, please visit our floral store.
Leon Charles Knauss, 60, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, at home, surrounded by his family. Leon was born on October 15, 1965 in Mt. Vernon, IL to John M. and Betty J. (Henson) Knauss.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
He is survived by his loving wife, Donella (Schmidt) Knauss; children, Kelly (Michael) Reed, Rhiannon Cates, and Andrea Cates; grand children, Hazel Reed, Elizabeth Reed, Makila (Anthony) Conner, Colter Puckett and special friend Gibson, Mason (Eddie) Poole, Jaidyn Finney, Kamron Cates, and Kasen Poston; great grand children, Addilyn, Scarlett and Braxton; siblings, Robert M. Knauss and life long partner Donna Bartlett and Rhonda (Ray) Douglas of SC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Leon spent many years enjoying being a semi driver. He later worked at Ecolab as a Pest Control Specialist. He was a former member of the A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education, A.B.A.T.E Chapter 27 of Illinois. He was also a son of the American Legions. He was a devout member and very involved at Bailey Church in Wayne City.
Leon married the love of his life, Donella on July 24, 1989. Together they raised their wonderful daughters. Then they enjoyed many years taking vacation, traveling the country, which included the “Lower 48” and Canada, on a Harley Davidson. Together they rightfully earned and won the “Iron Butt” contest. He also enjoyed deer hunting and skeet shooting. He had fun resale shopping, especially for his girls. He made sure they got plenty of clothes. Even if they didn’t fit, he knew they would grow into them or pass them down to the next. Most of all, Leon loved spending time with his family and watching them grow.
Leon is, and will always be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A visitation will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hughey Funeral home 1314 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, IL. A service will be held on Tuesday, January 13. 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Bailey Church, 1214 Co. Hwy 12, Wayne City, IL. Leon will be laid to rest following the service at Thomason Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Leon’s family.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leon, please visit our floral store.