KNUCKEY, Francis

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, AZ Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Francis Knuckey was born in Globe, Ariz. on April 4, 1920. The first 24 years of his life were spent in Chrysotile, Ariz. with his parents, Frank and Annie Knuckey and two brothers, Clyde and Robert. He was a member of the Demolay and was also a member of White Mountain Masonic Lodge No. 6 for over 50 years. Francis married Helen Gail McGowen on Jan. 4, 1941. They had four children: Ann Garlinghouse, Gene Knuckey, Helen Clark, and Mike Knuckey. He also had 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Francis proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Bland. After returning to Globe, he went to work for Guy McGowen, his father-in-law, at McGowen Machine Works. He later became owner and operated the business full time. In 2005, at the age of 85, he opted to split his time between his machine shop business in Globe, and his renewed love for working out doors at his second home on Circle Ranch. “He had a great sense of humor — and never cracked a smile.” He is survived by his children, Ann Garlinghouse of Globe, Ariz., Gene (Lana) Knuckey of Phoenix, Ariz., Helen Clark of Flagstaff, Ariz. and Mike (Kathleen) Knuckey of Pearland, Texas. A memorial service was held at Lamont Mortuary Chapel on Dec. 18, 2010. Assisting the family is Lamont Mortuary of Globe.