Craig Kneezle

BENTON, Mo. -- Craig Allen Kneezle, 25, of Benton was taken home to be with our father in Heaven April 11, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born June 18, 1978, in San Gabriel, Calif., the son of Joe and Arleen Ashton Kneezle, who survive of Benton.

To the family, he was known as "Buddy." In his life he acquired many interests consisting of trains, rebuilding cars and attending car shows with his own rebuilt masterpiece, an '82 Trans Am, with which he won several awards. Craig loved collecting racing memorabilia, such as Richard Petty. He was a fun-loving spirit and was kind with everyone he met. He was always around to help lift your spirit with a smile, and never was afraid to share his opinion. He was a member of Unity Baptist Church in Benton.

His best friend of all who will miss him the most is his father Joe. They were like two peas in a pod. There wasn't a day that went by that they weren't together helping each other out on life's rocky journey.

He is also survived by a sister, Cynthia Mena and husband Rodrigo of Rockford, Ill.; a brother, Kyle Kneezle and wife Lana of Cape Girardeau; two brothers, Curtis and Christopher of Benton; loving grandmother, Mildred Phillips and her husband Darrell of Oakland, Ark.; and two nephews, Bo-Javin and Devin Mena. He also leaves behind many dear friends and family members.

Friends may call at Unity Baptist Church in Benton after 10 a.m. Wednesday. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Dennis Lowe officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Craig "Buddy" Allen Kneezle will be greatly missed by all.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel of Benton is in charge of arrangements.