Russell John Knapp, 73

Russell John Knapp, 73, passed away March 29, 2012, in Chesapeake, Va., at his home.

He was born Sept. 22, 1938, in Livingston to Austin O. Knapp and Iris (Tripp) Knapp.

He joined the Navy in 1955, and retired from there as a communications technician 1 in 1987 in Chesapeake.

His neighbors all called him "a frustrated Montana chicken farmer."

He is survived by his wife, Bessie Ellen Callahan, whom he was married to Jan. 29, 1961, in Havre. He is also survived by his children, John of Connecticut, Jana of North Carolina, Joel of Virginia and Jennifer of Virginia; and two granddaughters and five grandsons; along with local nieces and nephews, Mary Stevens, Stan Webber and Char, Shirley Riebe and Arnie, Linda Setzer, and LeRoy Jarrett and Charlotte; also nieces and nephews in Idaho, Washington, Alaska, and other places in Montana.

He was predeceased by his mother, father, five sisters and one brother.

Memorial services with a potluck luncheon and celebration of life will be held at noon on July 4 at 130 Hidden Acres Lane in Kila. Balloons will mark the road at the west end of the guardrail going up the hill just past the Kila turn-off on the right. Follow the drive to the right. Call 755-9173 for directions if needed.