Michael Lawrence Knotts
Published: April 26. 2007 5:00AM PST
Feb. 9, 1950 - April 20, 2007

Michael Lawrence Knotts, of Cottage Grove, died Friday of Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 57.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Smith-Lunds-Mills Chapel in Cottage Grove.

Mr. Knotts was born Feb. 9, 1950, in Doniphan, Mo., to Everett and Hester (Forsyth) Knotts. He married Lynda Knotts in 1994.

Mr. Knotts served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968 to 1972 in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. He worked as a heavy-equipment operator, retiring in 2006. He also was an artist.

He was a member of the Bend Church of Christ and the Church of Christ in Eugene. He enjoyed biking, bow hunting and basketball. He previously had lived in Gilchrist.

Survivors include his wife; four daughters, Anna Evans, Sarah Welden, Diane Vaught and Joanne Franklin; a brother, Hershal; a sister, Pam Blackwood; and six grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Sacred Heart in Eugene or Church of Christ in Eugene.

Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel in Cottage Grove is in charge of arrangements.