Alton W. Knauss, 91, of Lancaster, died March 13, 2021, at his residence. He was the husband of Eleanor E. (Eckert) Knauss for 64 years. Born in Fountain Hill, he was a son of the late Austin C. and Hilda M. (Harrison) Knauss.

He was a 1948 graduate of Hellertown High School, a 1953 graduate of Kutztown University and a 1960 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.

He served his country faithfully in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and reserves from 1948 to 1983.

He was a social studies teacher and education media specialist at Upper Darby School District for 35 years, retiring in 1988.

He was a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church, Salisbury Township and was a former secretary of the Florida Mobile Home Association in Largo, Fla.

He was always serving his school, church and community. He was a role model for leadership wherever he was - whether he was teaching World Cultures or managing audiovisual services for the UDSD, assisting Calvary Homes with their programs, serving in various capacities at his churches, or volunteering at the Knauss Homestead Preservation Society in Emmaus.

He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Deborah A. (David) Hackman, of Marlton, N.J.; grandchildren, Zachary A. (Brianna), Rachel Hackman, Abigail Hackman; sibling: Lowell A. (Linda), of Seminole, Fla.; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Geoffrey A. and a sister, Laureen A. (George) Lewis, of Whitehall.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Homes, 502 Elizabeth Drive, Lancaster, 17601 or Calvary Baptist Church, 530 Milton Road, Lancaster, 17602.

Family and friends are invited to call noon to 1 p.m. March 19 at the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 326 Main St., Hellertown, followed by the service 1 p.m. A memorial service will be announced at a later date at Calvary Baptist Church, Lancaster. Make positive choices following CDC guidelines.