Foundation presents 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award honoree

PHS Senior Grace Rogers presents Kevin and Dan Knaup with a posthumous Distinguished Alumni Award for their father, Ray Knaup.

The USD 250 Foundation has selected the late Ray Knaup as the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Since 1998, this annual award has been given by the USD 250 Foundation to Pittsburg High School graduates who have distinguished themselves through their work, personal accomplishments, or in the lives of others. 

Knaup (Class of 1948) was honored posthumously during Pittsburg High School’s graduation ceremony on May 16 for his extraordinary contributions to the community, his dedication to caring for others, and his enduring legacy of service.

He was nominated by his sons, Kevin and Dan Knaup, who described their father’s legacy as “the gift that keeps on giving” through the people he mentored, the lives he touched, and the programs he helped establish.

Knaup exemplified excellence early on as a student-athlete and participant in school activities. He was active in Dragon football, track, and chorus, competing in the state track meet and the KU Relays. 

He began his career working as a welder for Kansas City Southern Railroad and Town Talk Bakery, but his life’s calling would emerge when, in 1965, he and his wife, JoAnn, purchased a 12-bed residential care home in Pittsburg they named Knaup Rest Home. What began as a modest venture quickly evolved into a lifelong mission to serve the elderly.

Just two years later, through determination, long hours, and the support of local friends and business partners, the Knaups built a 50-bed nursing facility in Frontenac they named Sunset Manor.

Over the decades, the facility expanded multiple times to meet community needs, eventually growing to a 150-bed operation with a staff of approximately 145 employees. For 46 years, Sunset Manor was one of the region’s largest employers and earned a reputation for exceptional, compassionate care.

Beyond care, the Knaups invested in people.

“They mentored many area students and young adults, and helped them pursue careers in healthcare, both by giving them experience and financial assistance. Numerous former employees went on to become certified nurse aides, registered nurses, and even educators and healthcare leaders,” said Kevin.

“To this day, many of them continue serving others in area nursing homes and hospitals. If you or someone in your family were in a local hospital or had a family member in a nursing facility, chances are you were cared for by someone Ray and JoAnn touched,” Kevin said.

Knaup’s influence extended beyond Sunset Manor. He co-founded the Meals on Wheels program in Frontenac, which fed elderly in the community using meals prepared in the Sunset Manor dietary department.

“Thousands of elderly have been served and are still being served today, hot nutritious meals in their homes because of this program our dad helped start,” said Dan.

Sunset Manor was well known for an annual 4th of July fireworks show that the entire surrounding community enjoyed, for supporting local businesses, and Knaup delighted in sharing his passion for antique cars with others.

Even while facing significant health challenges later in life, Knaup remained devoted to the residents and staff of Sunset Manor, continuing to visit and engage with the community he helped build until his death in 2005.

“Ray Knaup’s legacy is one of compassion, perseverance, and service,” said USD 250 Foundation President Jon Bartlow. “His work not only created jobs and strengthened the local economy but, more importantly, improved the lives of countless individuals and families. His impact continues to be felt throughout the Pittsburg-Frontenac area.”