Timeline for John William Knust
Born: February 3, 1952
Died: November 5, 2019
John William “Johnny” Knust, Jr. passed suddenly from this life at his home Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at the age of 67.
A lifelong resident of Galveston, Texas, Johnny was born on the island February 3, 1952, to Lois Jean and John W. “Sonny” Knust, Sr. He was preceded in death by his father in 2016.
Johnny graduated in 1970 from O’Connell High School, where he was an avid member of the baseball and football teams. Throughout his life he maintained many close friendships he formed with coaches, teammates and fellow students during this time.
After receiving a B.A. degree from Lamar University, Johnny returned to Galveston where he began his career as an underwriter at American National Insurance Co., followed by a stint as a manager at Dr. Pepper Bottling. He then enjoyed many years as a successful real estate broker, which led him to form Lone Star Property Management. His entrepreneurial skills flourished further as a co-founder of Genesis Gaming Solutions, which provides player tracking systems for casinos around the world.
Johnny married the love of his life, Susie Ahern Knust, in 1989. Their loving and happy 30-year marriage was full of wonderful times and lots and lots of beloved pets.
Family was always important to Johnny and his devotion and care for his parents was truly exceptional. Kind and generous to a fault, he was a wonderful brother and extraordinary uncle.
Johnny was outgoing, funny and liked to laugh, especially in the company of his friends and family. He loved to play golf, and was a fan of almost all sports, but was especially enthusiastic about the Astros and Dallas Cowboys. He was passionate about politics and current events and had a vast memory of historical detail and popular trivia. He enjoyed old westerns, classic TV and movies. He brought joy and fun wherever he went and will be dearly missed by so many.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Susie; his mother, Lois Jean Knust of Galveston; brother Randy Knust and his wife Natalie of The Woodlands; sister Lori Gannaway and her husband Dennis of Houston. Also surviving him are his nieces and nephews: Jill Gannaway and fiancé Kevin Donahoe of Nacogdoches, TX.; John “Danny” Gannaway of Houston; Randy Knust Jr.; Hailey Knust Esquivel and husband Marcus and great nephew Damon Esquivel of Spring, TX.; and Scott Ahern and Travis Ahern of San Antonio, TX.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are George Liberato, Steve Eggleston, Paul Montalbano, Rick Garza, Randy Knust, Scott Clements, Dennis Byrd, Eddie Janek, Randy Knust Jr., and Danny Gannaway.
Visitation will be held at Malloy & Son Funeral Home located at 3028 Broadway beginning at 5 pm on Monday, November 11, 2019 followed by a Rosary recitation at 6 pm. A funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, November 12th, beginning at 10 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1010 35th Street.
For those wishing to make memorial donations, please give to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.
Susie, My heart broke for you when I heard of the loss of your beloved Johnny. My thoughts and prayers are for you always. I feel blessed to have met you and appreciate your friendship. Gail Muscarello
We will love and miss you always Uncle Johnny. You were a great Godfather and Uncle to me. Kevin has loved getting to know you and we are both very sad you left us early. I hope you got to meet Officer Abigail at the pearly gates as well as Papa.
Susie, my thoughts and prayers are with you today, and many days to come. I hope to give you a big hug whenever we are together again. Please forgive me for not being able to attend the services. I wish you comfort, and some peace in the future. With sincere thoughts, your friend Sine.
We are sorry to hear of your loss, Mrs Knust. Desmond and I want you to know that you are in our warmest thoughts. We pray that you find comfort in your precious memories and that you know the peace that the "God of all Comfort' offers to us. The soothing words of Psalm 34:18 have been of great comfort to me : " God is close to the brokenhearted, he saves those who are crushed in spirit".
I grew up directly across the street from the Knust homestead. My address was 3928 Ave O. Johnny and I were both born in Feb, 1952 and I have many fond memories of growing up as neighborhood kids and friends. While I attended Ursuline Academy and graduated from Ball High Johnny graduated O'Connell. I remain close with many OC grads and know Johnny will be missed greatly and be forever in their hearts May he RIP.
Susie Sorry for your loss; my thoughts are with you.
My deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers for all of you, the Knust family, at the loss of Johnny, loving husband, son, brother, dear friend, and loved one! May God comfort you and give you strength each and every day! With deepest sympathy, Mary Eggleston Hostetter
Today I grieve for a man I have never met in person but for the last 7 years I have considered to be a good friend. We have played Words with Friends for that long. He started playing before me and when asked if he wanted to play with someone just starting he challenged me. Now 4600 games later and by the way he was ahead by 840, I think he loved the game just like me. This morning when he hadn’t played in 4 days I knew something was not right. I looked up obituaries for Galveston and my heart broke. We chatted over the years about many things, consoled each other about family and pet loses. I know all of his friends on the game will miss him, I know I certainly will. He was a wonderful man, my prayers are with you all.
One of the people I was glad to be acquainted with while growing up! A true friend who always had a smile a joke, or sense of humor! I am so sorry for the loss to his family. May he be at peace! 😊💐🤗🙏 His Smile, laughter, kindness will be missed!
Dearest Susie, Cheryl told us this sad news and both Dana and I are so very sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Our thoughts are with you. Dana and Sharee Robertson
Sending prayers to Susie, Lois Jean, Lori, Randy and the entire family.
Johnny was a great man, husband, son and friend. He will be dearly missed by many. Gone too soon!
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Date: Monday, November 11, 2019
Time: 5:00 pm
Rosary at 6:00 PM.
Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Time: 10:00 am
Phone: 1-800-873-6983
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Our thoughts remain with you and your family. We are honored by the trust and confidence you have placed in us during this difficult time.
—The Staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations
Susie, My heart broke for you when I heard of the loss of your beloved Johnny. My thoughts and prayers are for you always. I feel blessed to have met you and appreciate your friendship. Gail Muscarello
We will love and miss you always Uncle Johnny. You were a great Godfather and Uncle to me. Kevin has loved getting to know you and we are both very sad you left us early. I hope you got to meet Officer Abigail at the pearly gates as well as Papa.
Susie, my thoughts and prayers are with you today, and many days to come. I hope to give you a big hug whenever we are together again. Please forgive me for not being able to attend the services. I wish you comfort, and some peace in the future. With sincere thoughts, your friend Sine.
We are sorry to hear of your loss, Mrs Knust. Desmond and I want you to know that you are in our warmest thoughts. We pray that you find comfort in your precious memories and that you know the peace that the "God of all Comfort' offers to us. The soothing words of Psalm 34:18 have been of great comfort to me : " God is close to the brokenhearted, he saves those who are crushed in spirit".
I grew up directly across the street from the Knust homestead. My address was 3928 Ave O. Johnny and I were both born in Feb, 1952 and I have many fond memories of growing up as neighborhood kids and friends. While I attended Ursuline Academy and graduated from Ball High Johnny graduated O'Connell. I remain close with many OC grads and know Johnny will be missed greatly and be forever in their hearts May he RIP.
Susie Sorry for your loss; my thoughts are with you.
My deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers for all of you, the Knust family, at the loss of Johnny, loving husband, son, brother, dear friend, and loved one! May God comfort you and give you strength each and every day! With deepest sympathy, Mary Eggleston Hostetter
Today I grieve for a man I have never met in person but for the last 7 years I have considered to be a good friend. We have played Words with Friends for that long. He started playing before me and when asked if he wanted to play with someone just starting he challenged me. Now 4600 games later and by the way he was ahead by 840, I think he loved the game just like me. This morning when he hadn’t played in 4 days I knew something was not right. I looked up obituaries for Galveston and my heart broke. We chatted over the years about many things, consoled each other about family and pet loses. I know all of his friends on the game will miss him, I know I certainly will. He was a wonderful man, my prayers are with you all.
One of the people I was glad to be acquainted with while growing up! A true friend who always had a smile a joke, or sense of humor! I am so sorry for the loss to his family. May he be at peace! 😊💐🤗🙏 His Smile, laughter, kindness will be missed!
Dearest Susie, Cheryl told us this sad news and both Dana and I are so very sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Our thoughts are with you. Dana and Sharee Robertson
Sending prayers to Susie, Lois Jean, Lori, Randy and the entire family.
Johnny was a great man, husband, son and friend. He will be dearly missed by many. Gone too soon!
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Malloy Funerals & Cremations
Our thoughts remain with you and your family. We are honored by the trust and confidence you have placed in us during this difficult time.
—The Staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations