Wayne Louis Knecht passed away peacefully in his home on August 26, 2026, at the age of 85.

Wayne was born in South Gate, California on October 28, 1940 to Louis Emil Knecht and Inez Ruby James. Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Navy. On November 23, 1963, he married his beloved wife Shirley Joanne Williams, with whom he shared a life of love, family, and faith.

Wayne and Shirley were the parents of four children: David (Susan) Knecht, Debbie (Jeff) Fenn, Daryl Knecht, and Dustin (Kelly) Knecht. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley, and his son, Daryl.

He was a proud grandfather to Megan, Trevor, Todd, Amy, Kristen, Rachel, Kelsey, Hannah, Ethan, Connor, Zachary, Chloe, and Jillian, and 19 great-grandchildren. His family was one of the great blessings of his life, and the love, faith, and example he shared with them will continue through the generations.

In his youth, Wayne played high school football and church basketball. He was an avid Dodgers and Lakers fan, and played church softball for many years. He loved music, and always sang in choirs. But most of all, he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren, camping, fishing, bowling, golfing, and cheering them on as they played youth sports. In retirement, Shirley and Wayne loved to go on cruises, go to Disneyland, and later, Disneyworld, and visit their children and grandchildren.

Wayne was a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, and his love for the Lord guided the way he lived, loved, and cared for his family. Wayne will be remembered for his devotion to his family, and his steadfast faith in Jesus Christ. His life was a testimony to the values he held dear, and he will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Though his family grieves his passing, they find comfort in the faith Wayne lived by and in the promise that he is now reunited with those he loved who went before him and is at home with his Savior.