Paul Edward Knapke, 74, Versailles, died at 2:40 a.m. Aug. 9, 2011, at Wayne HealthCare, Greenville.

He was born May 25, 1937, in Mercer County, to Clement H. and Anna M. Zumberge Knapke. On Nov. 9, 1963, he married Patricia M. Berger, who survives.

Also surviving are his children, Mary Beth (Tim) Mescher, Fort Loramie, Carla (Dan) Grieshop, Osgood, Janel Winner, Versailles, Vickie Knapke, Napoleon, Becky (Greg) Schulze, Versailles; siblings, Mark (Elaine) Knapke, Kalida, Jerry (Joan) Knapke, Hamler, Rita (Linus) Monnin, Russia, Viola (Bob) Bangasser, Freeport, Ill., Eileen (John) Ehlers, Leipsic; and 10 grandchildren.

Deceased is a son-in-law, Scott Winner.

A member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Frenchtown, he was also a member of Russia Knights of Columbus, Versailles Eagles, Poor Boys Tractor Pulling Club, Darke County Plowman, and Darke County Power of the Past.

He had been employed by Subler Transfer and Harold Pohl Transportation, Inc. He owned Paul E. Knapke Inc. Trucking.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Denis Catholic Church, Versailles, the Rev. John White officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Frenchtown.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-10 a.m. Friday at Bailey Zachar Funeral Home, Versailles.

Memorials may be made to Osgood Rescue Squad or to Darke County Cancer Association.

Condolences may be left at zecharbailey.com.