It is with deep sadness that the America the Beautiful Chorus announces the passing of member Don Knepp. Don was born November 12, 1933 and passed away March 28, 2021. He had been a member of the chorus for 21 years.
Born on November 12, 1933 in Lewistown, PA, Don enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1953 and on September 18, 1955 married Alice Stees. He was the model Marine rising from the enlisted ranks and achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
While stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 1963, he wrote and recorded several parodies of military life on “Gitmo.” “Cuba, Cuba, Is My Home” was his most “famous.” Profits from the 45 r.p.m. records were donated to a college scholarship fund for deserving seniors graduating from the local high school. Recordings of the parodies are still available today.
He retired from active duty in 1980 as the Executive Officer of the Marine Security Guard Battalion. After a successful military career, which included two tours in Vietnam, he had an equally successful civilian career before retiring in 2000 and moving to Colorado Springs.
Don joined the chorus in 2000 and served for nine years as Chapter Treasurer (2006-2014). He sang in a high school quartet and was a music lover his entire life. Don often sang with a group of Daytime Singers who fulfilled many chorus singing engagements throughout the community.
Don is third from left, front row
Don and wife Alice (who sings with the Velvet Hills Chorus) partnered up with Pete Tyree and his wife Pat in a quartet called the Singing Senior Social Four. The quartet sang at many local functions throughout the Colorado Springs area.
Don was a unique person who loved people, laughter, helping others, the Marine Corps and especially his beautiful wife, Alice, his four wonderful kids, their spouses, and his grandchildren.
Don was an enthusiastic barbershopper and valuable member of the America the Beautiful Chorus. He will be missed.
Rest in peace.
