Leo Elwood Knode

Leo Elwood Knode, 92, of Bethlehem, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Leo was born on June 17, 1934, in Sharpsburg, Maryland, to the late Stephen Vanrasculas Knode and Martha Minerva Boyer.

He was an Air Force Veteran. After the Air Force, he continued as an Air Traffic Specialist, which involved pre-flight, in-flight, and emergency services. This job took him to many places, including Alaska, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. His adventurous spirit took Leo and his wife Jackie 200 miles up the Yukon and Nowitna rivers. After 31 years with the FAA, he retired from his last station, Hickory Airport.

He was an avid gardener and model railroad enthusiast and enjoyed several years with his model train club. He was a faithful caregiver for his wife and two sons. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church but was currently attending Mercy Missionary Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Jacqueline Knode; sons, Lee Knode and Vincent Knode; sister, Melva Ryan; and brothers, Kenneth Knode and Carlton Knode.

He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Mitchem; son, William Knode (Patricia); nine grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; a great-great-great-grandchild; and multiple nieces and nephews and other family members.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Alexander Funeral Service from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Dustin Peterson officiating. Burial will take place at Bethlehem Baptist Church following the service.

Chris Wiseman, Sam Peterson, Terry Miller II, Matt Ryan, Dylan Knode, and Dustin Peterson will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mercy Missionary Baptist Church, 101 U.S. Hwy 70 SW, Hildebran, NC 28637.

As a Christian, his legacy in this life comes to a close. We look forward to that glorious day when we will meet again in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com.