TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Eulogies Honor Knievel's Spirit

ADVERTISEMENT

The Associated Press

Published: December 11, 2007

BUTTE, Mont. - Mourners remembered daredevil Evel Knievel on Monday as a red, white and blue American icon who made a spiritual leap of faith long after his death-defying motorcycle jumps.

"He's forever in flight now. He doesn't have to come back down; he doesn't have to land," said actor Matthew McConaughey, who became friends with Knievel and hosted a History Channel program on the stuntman.

"He's in that spot of grace for the rest of time," McConaughey said.

The Rev. Robert H. Schuller of California's Crystal Cathedral officiated at the service, held in the daredevil's hometown, and talked about Knievel's baptism this year. He noted that Knievel had recently changed an inscription on his tombstone.

"Heaven will rejoice that he wrote the last words to his life and was standing next to You when he wrote them: 'Believe in Jesus Christ,' " Schuller told the crowd of thousands, which included former heavyweight boxing champ Joe Frazier.

Robbie Knievel, who followed his father into the family business, recalled hunting and fishing trips as a child and disputed claims that he had eclipsed Evel in the world of extreme sports.

"I am not the greatest daredevil in the world. I am the son of the greatest daredevil in the world," Robbie Knievel said.

Before the service, hundreds of mourners filed past the casket to pay respects to Evel Knievel, clad in a white leather jacket with red and blue trim.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT