FLATWOODS - Kenneth Karl Kniceley, 85, of Nitro WV, departed this life and ascended for eternity to dwell among God's angels in heaven on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016. He will be joining his wife Betty Jo Kniceley (deceased Nov. 2003), whom he married July 22, 1954, and his son Joe Kniceley (deceased April 2006).
Ken Kniceley or "Pawpaw," as he was so affectionately known to his 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, was a man with a big heart and he was not bashful about showing his love and affection to his family and friends. He was considered by everyone he met as friendly and kind. He never met a stranger and was adept at making new friends wherever he went.
He was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to all whose lives he touched. His many nieces and nephews referred to him as "Uncle Elvis" due to his thick, black head of hair in his younger days. He gave so much of himself to ensure that his family was happy and prosperous. During difficult times he was our "rock."
He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter for most of his life. He acquired a small farm near his home place in Braxton County that has served as the family retreat for over 40 years. It was perhaps his favorite place on earth. He enjoyed exploring the surrounding hills and hollows on ATVs and creating special family memories that each of us will forever hold dear.
Kniceley loved to golf, follow his beloved WVU Mountaineers and watch his grandchildren compete in sports and participate in school events and activities. He was proud of his family and loved to share their accomplishments to all who would listen.
He was truly a blessed man and will be sadly missed.
Ken was born and raised on Long Fork, Braxton County, WV during the post-depression era. His parents were Ward and Maude Kniceley. He had eight siblings: Boyd Kniceley, Ray Kniceley, Jack Kniceley, Ruby King, Nolan Kniceley, Geneva Bright, Verde Kniceley and Oscar Kniceley, all of whom preceded him in death.
Surviving are: his son Steve Kniceley of Myrtle Beach, SC; grandson Chris Kniceley (wife Lindsey) and great-grandson Braxton of Elkview, WV; grandson Zack Kniceley (wife April) of Cross Lanes, WV. Deceased son Joe Kniceley's family: Tamara Joseph (widow) and husband Chris Joseph, grandson Todd Kniceley (wife Danay) and great-grandson Peyton, great-granddaughters Jadyn and Avynn of Atlanta, GA, granddaughter Jodi Gonzalez (husband Pedro) and great-granddaughters Maria and Vivian of Cincinnati, Ohio; grandson Alex Kniceley and granddaughter Kaci Kniceley of Centerville, Ohio; Son Andy Kniceley (wife Tammy), granddaughter Katlyn Kniceley and great granddaughter Laylah, grandson Josh Kniceley (fiancé Michelle Czonka), grandson Samuel Kniceley and granddaughter Olivia Grace Kniceley, all of Fairmont.
He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ken graduated from Sutton High School in 1949. He attended WV Tech and later would serve on the college's printing technology advisory board.
He was a veteran of the Army and served on the Presidential Honor Guard in Washington, D.C., during the Korean War under the Truman and Eisenhower administrations and earned the rank of Sergeant.
Kniceley worked his entire professional career at the Charleston Gazette and Daily Mail. He worked his way up from Linotype-operator to Production Director during his 43-year tenure (retired Dec. 1993). He was considered an innovator and leader in newspaper production technology. The Charleston newspapers were among the industry leaders in full-color off-set printing and quality print re-production under his leadership. He served on both the American Newspaper Publisher's Association and the Southern Newspaper Publisher Association production advisory boards.
He was also a Real Estate agent and an appraiser for the Veteran's Administration for 25 years.
Ken served his community in a number of ways: Nitro City Council (8 years), President of Nitro Elementary PTA, President of Nitro Midget Football League, President of Nitro High School Athletic Boosters and during his retirement served as President of Nitro Development Authority.
He and his wife Betty were also owners of Kniceley's House of Beauty in Nitro.
Kniceley was a long-serving member and a deacon at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Nitro. His faith was very important to him and he stressed the importance of Christian values to his family. He lived his life by the golden rule.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Stockert-Paletti Funeral Home (stockert-paletti.com) in Flatwoods, WV. Visitation Tuesday Nov. 15, 2015 from 5-8 PM. Funeral service will be at Mt. Nebo Methodist Church, Vernon Road, Braxton County, WV; Wednesday Nov. 16 2:00 p.m. Internment immediately following the funeral service at the Kniceley family cemetery with full Military Honors conducted by the American Legion Post 33.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth Karl Kniceley, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.