Sgt Michael J. Knapp

Sgt Michael J. Knapp was an amazing father, husband, brother, and son who loved his family and God. He was always a great leader and teacher to all of his fellow soldiers.

Michael and his wife, Abby, were married in October 2008 and moved to Ft. Lewis, Washington, in March 2010 after he joined Active Duty Army. They had their daughter Kinsley Payton on August 1, 2011 - she was 9 weeks early weighing in at 3 lbs. 6 oz. - their miracle baby. Mike could not wait to be a father and loved Miss Kinsley so much.

He deployed to Asadabad, Afghanistan, November 14, 2011, with the 17th Fires Brigade. While deployed, Mike watched his daughter grow up on Skype until May 18, 2012, he was killed in action. He died of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with a rocket.

His military honors include: The Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, 3 Army Commendation Medals, 2 Army Achievement Medals, The Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, 3 Iraq Campaign Medals with Bronze Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, 2 Armed Forces Reserve Medals with M Device, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, 3 Overseas Service Ribbons, 2 NATO Medals Kosovo, Combat Action Badge, 4 Overseas Service Bars, and the Louisiana Emergency Service Ribbon and Medal.

Michael is a man of God who will be missed dearly. We are keeping peace in knowing that he is with our Lord and Savior today.

He is survived by his wife, Abby Dyan (Brassfield) Knapp, 27, of Overland Park; daughter, Kinsley Payton Knapp, 9 months; mother, Sandra Knapp of Overland Park; sister, Wendy Knapp of Overland Park; grandfather, John Knapp of Bucyrus, Kansas; and his in-laws, Tom and Marla Brassfield of Overland Park along with Abby's siblings, Amy Knapp, Clay Brassfield, and Casey Brassfield.

The family would like to thank all of their church family and friends for all the wonderful support they have provided in this tough time.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, May 28, 2012, at Legacy Christian Church, 10150 Antioch Road, Overland Park, Kansas. Celebration of Life service will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at the church.

Military Honors and inurnment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up an assistance fund for Michael’s daughter, Kinsley Knapp at Valley View Bank.