~ IN MEMORY ~
WWII veteran, WC/RW/RC/NWA Capt. Richard John
Kneidl Jr.
July 13, 1922 – July 18, 2025
Dick's career in aviation spanned several decades,
beginning with Empire Airlines, where he piloted the DC-3. As the airline
merged with West Coast Airlines and became Air West, later Hughes Air West, and
ultimately Republic Airlines……As a captain for Republic Airlines, he
accumulated over 33,000 flight hours before retiring in 1982 at the age of 60.
He was a 2 time Board of Directors for Airline Pilot Association.………………
Dick began his commercial flying career 06-28-1951. Widowed
in 2012, Dick is survived by his children, and by his grand- and greatgrand-
and great greatgrandchildren.
PCN memorial site
https://www.nampafuneralhome.com/obituaries/richard-dick-kneidl-jr
Richard John Kneidl Jr. obituary
Richard John Kneidl Jr., affectionately known as
"Dick," passed away peacefully in the summer of 2025, at the age of
103. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during the summer of 1922, to Richard John Kneidl
Sr. and Ethal Price Kneidl, Dick's life was defined by service, devotion to his
family, and an enduring sense of humor.
Dick's deep love for his family shone through in
the joy he found in spending time with his children. Even in his final days, he
often recalled the cherished memory of playing "airplane" with them—a
moment that remained dear to him throughout his life. He was particularly
devoted to his late wife, Mary Margaret Shawhan, whom he married on September
11, 1943, in Midlothian, Texas. Together, they built a life full of love,
adventure, and travel—experiences they treasured during their retirement years.
Mary preceded him in death in 2012.
Dick was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian
Church, where he attended services regularly and served as a faithful deacon
and elder. He pursued his education at Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas, a
college with deep ties to the Presbyterian Church. He continued to attend
weekly services at the Presbyterian Church in Nampa, Idaho with some of his
family members up until the final months of his life.
In 1942, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps
during World War II. After completing pilot training at Ellington Field, Texas,
in February 1944, he became a flight instructor in San Antonio. Over the course
of his service, Dick flew a variety of aircraft, including the C-60, C-47, and
AT-7. After the war, he helped certify military pilots on the C-47/DC-3,
enabling their transition into civilian airline roles.
Dick's career in aviation spanned several decades,
beginning with Empire Airlines, where he piloted the DC-3. As the airline
merged with West Coast Airlines and became Air West, later Hughes Air West, and
ultimately Republic Airlines, Dick continued to soar. As a captain for Republic
Airlines, he accumulated over 33,000 flight hours before retiring in 1982 at
the age of 60. He was a 2 time Board of Directors for Airline Pilot
Association.
Music was a significant part of Dick's life. He
sang in various choirs throughout his adult life, often within the church and
alongside his wife. He also enjoyed playing the organ at home, sharing his love
for music with family and friends. For Dick, music was an expression of his
faith and a constant source of joy. In retirement, Dick and Mary became
passionate members of the Airstream Club, traveling across the United States on
countless adventures. Dick's love for exploration and community led him to serve
a term as National Vice President of the Airstream Club, where he forged many
lasting friendships. Dick was also an avid swimmer and being in the water was
one of his favorite activities. For much of his adult life, he had access to a
pool—whether at home or in his neighborhood—and he shared it joyfully with his
loved ones. To stay active, Dick swam laps into his nineties.
Dick's legacy lives on through his four children:
Margaret McKee, Laura Kneidl, Richard G. Kneidl, and Willard Kneidl. He is also
survived by nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and five
great-great-grandchildren. Dick will be fondly remembered for his captivating
storytelling and, above all, his infectious sense of humor. His love for
telling jokes has been passed down through the generations, leaving a lasting
legacy that will continue to bring smiles to the faces of his loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that
donations be made to Mission Aviation Fellowship, an organization close to
Dick's heart, at https://www.maf.org.
Dick's life was a testament to his unwavering love
and commitment to his family. While he will be deeply missed, his spirit and
laughter will never be forgotten.
https://www.nampafuneralhome.com/obituaries/mary-kneidl
Mary Kneidl, passed April 28, 2012
Mary Shawhan Kneidl, beloved wife, mother,
grandmother, and great-grandmother was called home on Saturday, April 28, 2012.
Mary was born in Nampa, Idaho in 1920 to Dr. Glenn Shawhan and Margaret
Shawhan. She was the youngest in the family with five older brothers. Mary
graduated from Nampa High School in 1938 and went on to Sterling College in
Kansas. There she met Richard Kneidl, and they were married in 1943………………
