Clayton V. Knopf

LAYTON V. KNOPF
July 10, 1935 – July 8, 2025

Dad was a life long Bakersfield resident. Passing away peacefully at home 2 days shy of his 90th Birthday. He graduated from Kern County High School in 1954. He then joined the Air Force, in 1958 he was honorably discharged and returned home.

Shortly after returning, he met Carolyn Jean Tucker which resulted in a 60 year marriage until her passing 7/1/2021.

In Dad's younger years he enjoyed racing out at the Okie Bowl. As a member of the Kern Co, Boat Club, he also enjoyed racing his boat at Lake Ming. The love for the outdoors took him on the path of many hunting, fishing and camping trip with friends and family. Rodeo soon replaced his hobbies as he became a "Rodeo Dad" as he hauled us kids all over attending Jr. and High School rodeo's. After we grew up he joined Back Country Horseman Club. He enjoyed many pack trips cleaning trails and enjoying friendships.

Dad was self employed as a partner of C&B Transmission for many years. He then went on to become Service Manger for Graylift, Massey Ferguson and retiring from Hertz Equipment.

He was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn Jean, his parents Helen & Mac Cheeseman and Foster Knopf, his brothers, Jerry (Joan) Knopf and Layton (Sina) Knopf, Joe Lopeteguy and grandson Sam Knopf. He is survived by his children Steven (Yvonne) Knopf, Patti Holmes, Chris (Laura) Knopf, His sister Lynn Lopeteguy, SIL Pam Knopf along with 11 grandchildren and 17 great grands. 

The family would like to thank Norma and girls along with Hoffman Hospice for their loving care of our dad. A special thanks to our cousin Scott who was our hero many times with helping us out. Services will be held July 30th at 10am at Veterans National Cemetery.