Gerald Loyd Knutson, age 91, passed away on April 2, 2021 in Independence, MO. He was born near McLean, Texas on June 8, 1929, the son of Youel and Josie Knutson. He grew up in McLean, graduating from McLean High School in 1947. He married Audette Smoot in 1953 and they were married for 57 years until her passing January 5, 2011. He served four years in the U.S. Navy. During the Korean War, he was crew chief and instructor and served aboard an aircraft carrier, the USS Philippean Sea. He was a graduate of Graceland College; Central Missouri State College; and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma. Gerald served in the administration at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. He was President of Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa and Park University in Parkville, MO. He completed his higher education career at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. After retirement, he continued to serve in the financial services field. Gerald was an ordained senior lay minister in the Community of Christ Church for 67 years. Gerald and Audette lived in Oklahoma City over 40 years until he moved to Independence, MO in 2015. He is survived by his two children, Linda Conley and husband James of Independence, MO, Gary Knutson of Yukon, OK; 5 grandsons, Bryan and Brent Conley of Independence, MO, Steven Block and Grant Knutson of Oklahoma City, and Gregory Block, of Moore, OK; and two great grandsons. Also surviving are sisters, Mary Campbell of Springfield, MO and Jean Bondurant of Colorado Springs, CO; brother, Tom Knutson (Suzan) of Yukon, OK; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Audette Smoot Knutson, and a sister, Betty Jo Thames. Services will be at Mercer-Adams in Bethany, OK on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 1 pm. Visitation at noon. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. The family wants to thank the staff at Cedarhurst of Blue Springs and Lumicare Hospice for the loving care they provided Gerald during the last difficult year. In lieu of flowers, please consider Geralds favorite non-profit service organization that assists people in Third World countries obtain clean water, better sanitation, and deal with other health related issues. Memorials may be mailed to Outreach International, 112 W. 18 St., Kansas City, MO 64108. . Funeral Service Mercer-Adams Chapel Saturday, April 10, 2021 1:00 PM 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008 Viewing will begin one hour prior to service, 12:00-12:45pm. The service will be webcast and available to view on this obituary page.