Darwin G. Knoll

Darwin G. Knoll, age 81, of Haysville, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, following complications from an aortic aneurysm and a fractured back.

Darwin was born in Beloit, Kansas, to Ila and Marvin Knoll. He proudly served in the Kansas National Guard and carried a strong sense of duty and work ethic throughout his life.

His career began as a body shop technician before transitioning into sales with Snap-on Tools, where he owned and operated his own franchise. Even after retirement, Darwin remained busy and productive, working at Walmart, owning rental properties, and operating Overflow Mini Storage. He continued working up until he injured his back just ten weeks prior to his passing.

Darwin was mechanically inclined and could fix just about anything. His children often referred to him as “MacGyver,” a trait he proudly passed on to his daughter, Angela. He enjoyed tinkering in the garage, creating inventive ideas to make things work more efficiently, and developing computer programs for the businesses he owned. Highly particular and detail-oriented, Darwin tailored his work and systems exactly to his needs. He was known for his strong work ethic, integrity, and ethical nature in all aspects of life. One project he was especially proud of was working alongside his daughter Annette to flip a house together.

He loved meeting friends for coffee, gardening, spending time watching television and YouTube. One of his greatest joys was sharing his harvest with others, especially by making homemade salsa from tomatoes and hot peppers grown through the collective hard work of himself and friends.

Above all else, Darwin’s true joy was his family. During the four weeks he was hospitalized, his wife and daughters spent countless hours at his bedside, caring for him with love and devotion. He especially appreciated that his daughter Angela had full badge access to the hospital, allowing her to help care for him and support the family with small comforts—warm blankets, chapstick, and tiny ice chips—that meant so much during that time.

In the last three years of his life, Darwin’s strong belief in the Bible and its teachings provided him comfort, strength, and guidance.

Darwin is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Knoll; daughters Annette Lough (Tom), Angela Banks (Steve), and Pam Weigand (Art); grandsons Justin Lough (Amanda), Andrew Banks, and Nicolaus Banks; great-grandchildren Raydin and Mayzie; sister Karen Beams (Richard); and many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.

Darwin will be remembered for his ingenuity, dedication, faith, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Sky Ranch.

Public Viewing will be held Monday, January 19th from 5:00-7:00 and Funeral Service on Tuesday, January 20th at 10:00 AM both at Smith Family Mortuary 7031 S. Broadway Haysville, KS 67060.  Burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery.