"Keeping The Memories Alive"

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MR. WALTER "GENE" KNOX



Some of you will remember and/or been taught by Mr. Knox.

Below is Mr. Lnox's obituary as published on the Elliott Mortuary website:

Walter Eugene Knox, 88, died March 19, 2020, at Sandstone Heights in Little River. He was born December 27, 1931, in Fort Scott, to Walter and Hattie (Martin) Knox.

Gene, Dad, Grandpa, Grandpa-Great, Great-Great-Grandpa, Uncle Gene and Mr. Knox was how he was known by all.

Gene graduated from Ft. Scott High School in 1950, where he met his lifetime sweetheart, Lucille Crays. He attended Pittsburg State on a track scholarship, but as a National Guard wire man, he was called to duty his freshman year in the Korean War. He and Lucille married quickly on April 14, 1951, in Huntsville, Arkansas, and were sweethearts for 71 years and married for almost 69 years.

After the war, Gene continued to work on his degree in Vocational Printing, and he and Lucille had their first child, Ty. He was hired by Hutchinson High School (HHS) in 1956, to teach printing in the old building where they had to punch a hole in the brick wall for the linotype arm to move. That hole was there until the day the building was torn down.

He taught at HHS for the next 38 years and had two more children, Debbie and Cindy, during the early years of his career. Mr. Knox taught many of the printers in the surrounding Hutchinson area. He had a great way in teaching young people to believe in themselves and it showed, as so many former students shared what he had done for them. Mr. Knox also worked closely with many students and teachers in producing The Buzz newspaper and The Allagaroo.

He saw printing change drastically throughout his career at Hutch High, but would always move on to the next method. Gene ran a printing business after the school day in the family garage called Knox Linotype for several years. The whole family participated. Gene's three hobbies were "Work, Play, and Work".

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Little River, Methodist Men, VICA, Lyons Club, American Legion, Hutch High Boosters, NEA, and KNEA. He assisted with Sunday school teaching, coaching, youth group leader, and Circle 6 Saddle Club. Gene was honored with numerous outstanding teaching and VICA awards over the 38 years he taught at HHS.

After retiring from teaching, he raised cattle and watched his family grow. Lucille survives and is a resident at Sandstone Heights in Little River. Gene never left her side, always trying to care for her through his last days. He was a child magnet--even the shiest child he would have laughing and playing in no time. All of his grandkids have fond memories of singing while on the porch swing, eating popcorn and listening to stories.

Other survivors include: children, Ty Knox and wife Brenda, Hutchinson, Debbie Vagts and husband David, Nickerson, and Cindy Knox, Santa Fe, NM; grandchildren, David Vagts Jr. and wife Julie, JoEllen Wilson and husband Dave, Kristie Bowen and husband Clint, Keith Vagts and Tina, and Brian Vagts and wife Kayla; great-grandchildren, Kyly Cannon and husband Steven, Jordon Vagts, Tristen Vagts, RJ Kendall, Casey Kincaid, Andrea Bagby, Baylor Bowen, Banks Bowen, Addison Vagts, Jaxon Vagts, Ethan Vagts and Aubri Vagts; great-great-grandchildren, Hadleigh Radenbaugh, Hayleigh Radenbaugh and Hatcher Cannon.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; 6 sisters; and 2 brothers.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary. Please stop by and sign the book, share a story and watch Gene's life in pictures.

On Facebook, search "Public Event", and view "Virtual Celebration of the Life of Walter Eugene Knox".

Memorials are suggested to Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy (HCTEA) at Hutchinson High School, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Rest In Peace Mr. Knox.