Vernon Mitchell Kneir

Vernon Mitchell Kneir, 93, of Poplar Bluff, MO passed away in his home on February 13, 2025. Vernon was born on April 11, 1931, to Samuel and Minnie Hawks Kneir of Poplar Bluff.  He served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean war where he was a Chaplain and achieved the rank of Staff Sargent.  Returning to Poplar Bluff, Vernon met the love of his life, Peggy Lou Ramsey and was married on October 31, 1953.  Vernon attended Live Oak School and later Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University in Dallas TX.

Vernon was blessed with a wonderful loving family.  Surviving are: His sweetheart, Peggy Kneir of the home, children Pamela Sue (Brian) Sharp of Poplar Bluff MO, Wayne Mitchell (deceased as an infant), Barbara Ann (Scott)Hall of Haslet TX. Grandchildren are Naomi (Randy) Deaton, Poplar Bluff, Stephanie (heaven)(Randy) Malone, Breanne (Jamie) Oakley, Poplar Bluff, Andrew Hall, Haslet TX, Luke Hall (Emily) Oklahoma City, OK, Haiden Hall, Haslet TX. After Stephanie graduated to heaven, Randy and Vanessa Malone were united in marriage and reside in Decatur TX.  Great grandchildren are Jaden, Kyler and Landen Deaton sons of Naomi and Randy Deaton, Ian and Calin Malone sons of Stephanie and Randy Malone, Annisyn and Asa Oakley, children of Breanne and Jamie Oakley, Hallie Hall, daughter of Luke and Emily Hall, Charlotte, Lydia, Hattie, Ruby Malone, daughters of Randy and Vanessa Malone.  Additional surviving family members are sister-in-law Shirley Kneir, many beloved nieces and nephews, an abundance of spiritual children.

Vernon enjoyed carpentry before entering the ministry.  He used his skills to build homes and churches.  He pastored churches in Greentop and Puxico MO, and Grace and Good Hope United Methodist churches in Poplar Bluff where he served for 33 years. Vernon impacted many lives by performing countless weddings, baptisms, funerals and counseling.  Vernon just loved people and never met a stranger. He was also one of the founders of the local United Gospel Rescue Mission.  Using his talents of carpentry and ministry, he also served on mission teams to Chile and Peru.  In 1976 he served as the President of the Greater Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce.  Along with pastoring, Vernon enjoyed being a cattle rancher along Black River on his family’s home place which is recognized as a centennial family farm.  He was also a charter member of Grace Christian Fellowship.

As a brother, dad, papaw and uncle, he provided countless pranks and fun. He taught many family members to drive not only cars but farm machinery.   He was also known to even make a homemade zip line which delighted anyone who dared to try it.

Preceded in death are his parents, Samuel and Minnie Kneir, one sister Naomi (Charles) Scheps, brothers Verlin (deceased at 18 months) Elvin “Sonny” (Mary), Charles (Gloria) and Chester Kneir.

Visitation - Monday, February 17th, 5-7pm Grace Christian Fellowship, 3200 Warrior Lane, Poplar Bluff MO.  Funeral - Tuesday, February 18th, 11am also at the church and officiated by Pastor Brian Sharp and Scott Hall.  Burial - 2pm at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield MO.

The service will be streamed on Grace Christian Fellowship Facebook page.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Vernon Kneir. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com

Memorials may be made to Grace Christian Fellowship.