Dr. Samuel Wayne Knippa, D.V.M.
May 26, 1950 - January 15, 2026
/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/3344/518070/R04LUoRkRTgpmFMpSammyKnippa.jpeg)
Obituary For Dr. Samuel Wayne Knippa, D.V.M.
Dr. Samuel Wayne Knippa, D.V.M., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at the age of 75. He was born on May 26, 1950, in the small town of Yoakum, Texas, to Emanuel and Marie Jo Knippa, who preceded him in death. Sammy's life was a testament to his passion for veterinary medicine, his dedication to family, and his love for the outdoors.
Sammy graduated from Yoakum High School in 1968 and pursued higher education at Texas A&M University in College Station. He earned a bachelor's degree in Animal Science in 1972, followed by a master's degree in 1974, and ultimately his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1977. It was during this time that he discovered his lifelong calling—caring for animals and serving his community.
In 1978, Sammy married his soulmate, Penny Mace, in Houston, Texas. Their 47 years of marriage were filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Together, they raised three daughters: Katie (Brent) Beicker, Kimberly (Cole) Wagner, and Kandi (Mike) Helle. Sammy's greatest joy came from being a grandfather to seven cherished grandchildren: Brinley and Brylen Beicker; Caroline, Anna, and Avery Wagner; and Michael Fisher and Macey Kay Helle. Known to his grandchildren as "Giggles," Sammy had an infectious spirit that could light up any room. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to strike up conversations with anyone he encountered.
For 18 years, Dr. Knippa owned and operated Countryside Veterinary Clinic in New Braunfels, where he became known for his unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of all creatures, great and small. He was active in the Comal County Veterinary Medicine Association and instrumental in founding emergency veterinary clinics in the New Braunfels area. Prior to opening the clinic in New Braunfels, he owned and operated Loop 494 Animal Hospital in Kingwood. His legacy in veterinary medicine was marked by his compassionate care and commitment to his clients. He was a proud member of several organizations, including Texas Veterinary Medicine Association, American Veterinary Medicine Association, Guada-Coma Chapter of the Independent Cattlemen's Association (ICA), Texas Farm Bureau, and Texas Cattle Raisers Association. Sammy served as President of the Guad-Coma ICA chapter for many years and was a voting delegate at the ICA state convention each year. His faith also played a significant role in his life, as a devoted member of St. James Catholic Church.
Together, Sammy and Penny endowed numerous scholarships with Texas A&M University to help continue the education of future agriculturalists and veterinarians. Investing in the future of agriculture was important for him throughout his life.
Sammy was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, saltwater fishing, and attending Fightin' Texas Aggie football games. He cherished his time spent outdoors, whether it was checking cattle or driving around the ranch. His deep appreciation for nature and the environment was evident in everything he did.
Sammy is survived by his beloved wife, Penny; his three daughters and their spouses; his seven grandchildren; his brother Darnell (Lynette) Knippa; and his sister Lynette (Sam) Morrison. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to family and community that will forever be remembered.
A funeral service to honor Dr. Knippa's life will be held on January 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church in Seguin, Texas. Rosary will begin prior to mass at 10:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Guada-Coma ICA Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 131, Seguin, Texas 78156.
Photos & Video
Add New Photos & Video
Tributes
-
Raychel Walker sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Dr. Samuel Wayne Knippa, D.V.M. - January 16, 2026
Our prayers are with you during this tough time and always. Xoxo, The Walker Family - Austin, Raychel, Henry, William and Charles
Condolences
-
January 21, 2026
So sorry to hear of Sammy's passing. He was a good friend and will be dearly missed. We worked together to raise scholarship funds for Aggie veterinary students through the Aggie Veterinary Scholarship Foundation. From Mark LaBrie
-
January 20, 2026
As a classmate to Sammy in Veterinary school I came to appreciate his country ways and laid back attitude. We were lab partners nearly all school career. Knippa and Knape were side by side.To have shared his lifestyle and love of animals is a gift of God and having grandchildren is heaven itself. So many years have passed since we started this parallel journey and seeing the life he lead makes me proud to have known him. Cheryl and I pray for the family he loved so deeply and that they share the glory that is his in Gods hands. Gregg K.
-
January 20, 2026
To Penny & family, We have known Sammy for a long time. He was a wonderful person and someone that loved & cared for animals. In 2004 we got to know Kandi very well because that was when she won the Senior Showmanship Buckle at the Guadalupe County Youth Show and we presented her with her well deserved showmanship buckle. Kandi, we think your dad was just as excited as you, maybe even more because we had never seen him jump so high & yelled so much with excitement then ever before. Penny I'm sure you remember that day as well. Memories are what keep us going. May your memories give you peace and comfort. Hold them tight. In scripture, Matthew 5:4 reads, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Bill and Vernelle Jones
-
January 20, 2026
A good friend from our days at TAMU who went away and then was back. You will be missed. Rest in peace and Gig'Em. Roger Bading
-
January 19, 2026
Penny and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sorry that I won't be able to be there for you all, but praying for God to comfort and strengthen you. Love, Terry Brooks
-
/religious/cross-bible.jpg)
January 19, 2026
We are so sorry for your loss! We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time! Our sincere condolences, ~Team Collins
-
January 19, 2026
We are so sorry for your loss. May the love and memories you shared bring you comfort and strength. God Bless you all Gary and Daca Miller
-
January 18, 2026
Sammy was my classmate and across the street, neighbor and family friend for all the years we were growing up, before college. He graduated, not from Yoakam high school, but Saint Joseph high school, class of 1968. He was beloved for his sense of humor, as well as his intelligence I will always remember him fondly. My deepest condolences to his wife and children, as well as his brother Darnell, and his sister Lynette, whom I will always remember as friends and good neighbors. our class has lost a great friend to all, especially his good friends, Tommy Chilek and Ronnie Little – – the three amigos! My deepest sympathy, JOANN Abernathy Mays, Austin
-
January 18, 2026
Our deepest condolences for the loss of a great man who always was willing to help others, and always with the biggest smile. He will be missed immensely. Scott and Stacey Hancock
-
January 17, 2026
Anybody that ever met Sammy really loved Sammy ,he was a great guy. We dealt with him at Napa many many many times and it was always a pleasure.
-
January 17, 2026
My condolences to the family. Wilfred Bartoskewitz
-
/religious/cross.jpg)
January 16, 2026
Our deepest sympathies to the entire family. Sammy was the light of so many lives and the memories we shared will live with us always. May Peace be with you during this difficult time! Lecia and Randy
-
/religious/dove.jpg)
January 16, 2026
We have such wonderful memories of living across the street. We were young, and grew so much. May all your memories help all of you. Praying for Peace ! Alice and Mike Cullen
-
January 16, 2026
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Jim and Cricket Dietert
-
January 16, 2026
Chuck and I are heart broken over the loss of Sammy. Penny, you and your entire family have our deepest condolences and sympathy. Love and prayers to all !
-
January 16, 2026
Penny and girls, my sincere condolences for your loss. Sammy, was such a special gentleman and I always enjoyed being around him! He had such a contagious smile and I can imagine totally where the grandchildren got his name! He was a blessing to all that were fortunate to know him! Big hugs to you all! WandaClark
-
January 16, 2026
I'm so sorry to hear this heavy news. My deepest prayers and condolences to all of the Knippa family.
-
January 16, 2026
Heaven gained a special man with Sammy Knippa. He was a wonderful boss and friend to me for many years. Prayers for his beautiful wife Penny and family. 💕
-
January 16, 2026
The entire Senn family is saddened by Sammy's passing. Prayers for peace for his family
-
January 16, 2026
With deepest sympathy! During this trying time, please remember to smile at the memories! Because they will get you through. From: Tamie, Jason, Anthony, Linnell.
Add a Candle or Spiritual Image
Click below to add to your message.
/candles/candle-blue-unlit.gif "CANDLE_BLUE")
/candles/candle-green-unlit.gif "CANDLE_GREEN")
/candles/candle-lavender-unlit.gif "CANDLE_LAVENDER")
/candles/candle-orange-unlit.gif "CANDLE_ORANGE")
/candles/candle-pink-unlit.gif "CANDLE_PINK")
/candles/candle-red-unlit.gif "CANDLE_RED")
/candles/candle-white-unlit.gif "CANDLE_WHITE")
/candles/candle-yellow-unlit.gif "CANDLE_YELLOW")
/religious/cross-draped.jpg "CHURCH_DRAPED")
/religious/cross-raised.jpg "CROSS_RAISED")
/religious/fish.jpg "FISH")
/religious/church.jpg "CHURCH")
/religious/torah.jpg "TORAH")
/religious/crescent-star.jpg "CRESCENT_STAR")
/religious/yin-yang.jpg "YIN_YANG")
/religious/chalice.jpg "CHALICE")
/religious/ten-commandments.jpg "TEN_COMMANDMENTS")
/religious/david-star.jpg "DAVID_STAR")
/religious/menorah.jpg "MENORAH")
/religious/crescent-quran.jpg "CRESCENT_QURAN")
/religious/crescent-mosque.jpg "CRESCENT_MOSQUE")
Useful Links
Add Your Useful Link
Contact Us to have your link and message added here.
Please fill out the form below. We will contact suitable submissions with further details.