CHAPTER CHATTER Page 3
The Official Newsletter of the
Shenandoah Valley Chapter #313
Korean War Veterans Association
Volume 14, Issue 05
Paul E. Bombardier, Editor
May, 2021
WALTER “ SKEETER” KNEE
(Editor’s Note: Apologies to the family, but due to space limitations, Walter’s full Bio could not be placed in the April issue of the Chatter.)
Condolences
KWVA Chapter 313 member Walter “Skeeter” Knee 85, died March 13, 2021, at Blue Ridge Hospice Inpatient Center.
“Skeeter” was born in 1935 in Winchester, VA, son of the late Walter and Frances Knee. He attended Winchester area High Schools and was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean conflict. “Skeeter” was co-owner of Swimley’s Furniture, retiring in 2000. In his younger years “Skeeter” was a Boy Scout, spending a lot of time at Camp Rock Enon, and later becoming a Scout Master for BSA Troop 3. As a young adult he was also involved in the local dirt tracks, which grew into a love of NASCAR races, attending races with friends and a fan of Richard Petty and Ryan Newman. “Skeeter” could also be seen riding his Harley and he attended many Kiss concerts. He was a Poker player, and the bet was always $1 for any bet he ever made. If he won the event, the loser would have to sign his
name, the date and event was written on the $1 bill for “Skeeter” to keep as a trophy. “Skeeter” was also an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and Washington Capitals. He always looked forward to Mondays for lunch with the “lunch bunch”.
The greatest love of “Skeeter’s” life was his grandson, Benjamin “Benji”. They were not only grandfather and grandson, they were best friends. “Skeeter” and “Benji” trekked across the United States creating memories, learning history, that created a bond that will never be broken.
“Skeeter” was past Treasurer for the City of Winchester; served on the Winchester Tree Commission; was actively involved with many political campaigns for Winchester/Frederick County elected officials; past President and Treasurer of the Boy Scouts; member of the Winchester Masons; member of the Winchester Lions Club; very involved with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and NW Works. He was a licensed trapper and would help when individuals called upon him. He enjoyed genealogy and traveled anywhere of interest with his grandson, Benjamin. They were avid cemetery hoppers, always looking for genealogy with headstones. “Skeeter” loved spending time on the Cacapon River as a child, and as an adult owned two places on the river, “Knee’s Bend” and “Hell’s Hill”. Along with his parents, “Skeeter” was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Jane Knee; son, Benjamin D. Knee; long-time companion, Debbie Spaid Conard; brother, Ross E. Knee; nephew, Ron Clendening. (Cont. Pg. 4)