Augustus Lowell Knisely, 92 years old, of Independence, MO passed away at home on April 10, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was known as “Gus” by co-workers but as “Lowell” by his family and friends. Services will be held at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, Missouri, on Thursday, April 16, 2026 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and funeral at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial in New Salem Cemetery, Independence, Missouri.
Lowell was born on February 13, 1934, in Henry County to Oliver Augustus and Dorothy May (Croley) Knisely. He grew up in Clinton, MO with his younger brother Gary and where the two of them caused a lot of mischief, as boys tend to do. He met the love of his life Nancy Darlene (Pogue) while hanging out with some of Gary’s friends.
Lowell was drafted into the Army in 1956 and served 2 years with the majority of it spent in Okinawa, Japan. Just before being shipped off to Okinawa Lowell married Nancy on December 26, 1956. During their 69 ½ year marriage they had 3 children, 9 grandchildren, 8 great- grandchildren and countless adventures.
Lowell worked for the United States Postal Service for 25 years (1967 to 1992) as a letter carrier. Lowell took great pride in his job, getting to know the people on his route. He was one of the few people who actually enjoyed receiving fruit cake as a Christmas gift from his patrons.
Lowell was so much more than a letter carrier, husband, son, brother and father. He was a lover of Mickey Mouse, of all sports (especially baseball), drawing, woodworking, and painting his little wooden baseball men. He was meticulous in keeping sports statistics for both professional teams and every team that anyone of his kids, grandkids or great-grandkids played.
He was a thorough journalist for all vacations and road trips. Documenting the exact departure and arrival times, money spent, restaurants eaten at, hotel stays and all activities. As much as this would drive Nancy, and all other travelers in the group, crazy; it is now something that will be cherished forever by many generations. He was also a baseball coach for several decades in the Independence leagues, impacting numerous children.
Lowell is preceded in death by his father: Oliver Knisely, mother: Dorothy Knisely, and brother: Gary Knisely.
He is lovingly remembered by his children: Darla (Dave) Eames, Kelvin Knisely and Marcus (Natalie) Knisely, all of Independence MO. grandchildren: Dr. Danielle Eames of Las Vegas, NV; Paula Eames of Independence, MO; Kirsten (Brad) Anderson of Vancouver, WA; Derek Knisely of Independence, MO; Holly Estrada of Blue Springs, MO; Heather (Tyler) Austin of Lee’s Summit, MO; Hannah Boger of Independence, MO; Brianna Knisely of Jax Beach, FL; and Blake Knisely of Independence, MO. great-grandchildren: Avery and Emery Anderson, Liam Knisely, Oliver and Elliot Estrada, Adalynn & Amelia Austin, Cayden Boger.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600