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Edward J. Knipper

1923 - 2013

Edward J. Knipper obituary, 1923-2013, Waco, TX

BORN

1923

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home

6101 Bosque Blvd.

Waco, Texas

Edward Knipper Obituary

Edward J. Knipper passed away Tuesday, May, 21, 2013, in Waco, surrounded by his family. Service: 2 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Waco with Dr. Matthew Snowden and the Rev. Randall Perry officiating. Mr. Knipper will lie in state at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers will be former members of his Richfield High School baseball teams. Memorials: If desired, donations may be directed to the Baylor Bear Foundation Scholarship Fund or the First Baptist Church Foundation. Ed was born in Bloomfield, N.J., on April 17, 1923, and moved to New York City in 1938. He graduated from George Washington High School in January 1940. He worked for a year and a half at Time Inc. in the mail room. He enrolled as a freshman at Baylor University in Waco in September 1941. In December 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program. He completed pilot training as a B-29 heavy bomber pilot. He was part of the 20th Air Force, 499th Bomb Group, 477th Squadron. Ed flew combat missions to Japan from bases in Guam and Saipan. Upon cessation of hostilities, he helped air drop food, clothing and medical supplies to Allied prisoner of war camps in Japan. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with clusters. Ed separated from service in January 1946 and returned to Baylor to complete his degree, upon completion of which he taught German at Baylor and commenced work on a master's degree. In August 1949, he married Mary Blanche Hooker (Baylor '48) and they served as directors of Kokernot Hall. They have two sons, Jeff and Joe. Upon completion of his master's degree in 1951, he began a 41-year secondary teaching career in the Waco ISD. His assignments included stints at West Junior High, Old Waco High and Richfield High. His principal teaching assignments were in chemistry, physics and German. For some 15 years while at Richfield High, he led his German students on summer study programs throughout Europe. In addition to his teaching duties he also served as an athletic coach at both high schools (assistant in football and head baseball). He retired from the Waco ISD in 1985 and accepted a similar teaching position at Vanguard College Preparatory School, where he stayed until his retirement in 1992. For over a decade, each summer he served as a counselor and horseback riding instructor at Camp Stewart and Camp Rio Vista in the Texas Hill Country. He was the recipient of the first Waco ISD Outstanding Teacher Award and the recipient of the first Waco Education Foundation's Distinguished Retired Teacher Award. He was one of 14 charter members who founded the Waco Calligraphy Guild in 1998, and became an accomplished calligrapher, attending numerous workshops conducted by internationally recognized calligraphers. Besides calligraphy, his varied interests included gardening, horsemanship and Baylor athletics of every type. He and Mary were a regular presence at the Ferrell Center and the Baylor ballpark. After his retirement, Ed and Mary enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the world. For more than 50 years he had been a member of First Baptist Church's Abner McCall Sunday School Class. In whatever capacity you knew Ed, he touched the lives of thousands of people in a positive way. He was not a perfectionist, but he was a person of excellence and pursued all his endeavors with passion and purpose. Survivors: His wife of 64 years, Mary Knipper; and sons, Jeff Knipper and wife, Emily McLaughlin, of Fort Worth and Joe Knipper and wife, Eileen, of Waco.

Published by Star-Telegram on May 22, 2013.
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Mr. Knipper was my Chemistry teacher at Richfield High School in 1963-1964. His knowledge of, and ability to teach, Chemistry helped me immensely during my four years at West Point. In addition to teaching me, Mr. Knipper helped me secure an appointment from Congressman Bob Poage to enter West Point in July 1964. Thank you, Mr. Knipper, for all you did for me!

Mike Trollinger

School

May 16, 2023

My dad´s family immigrated to Waco from Germany in 1952, when Dad (Frank Ruppert) was 14. He found a friend and advocate in his teacher Mr. Knipper, who took kind interest in him and helped acclimate a war-traumatized boy into American life.

Dad´s family stayed in Texas only a short time before moving to and settling in New Jersey, but dad never forgot his beloved teacher. When our family embarked on a cross-country vacation in the summer 1974, Dad made sure we stopped in Waco. He looked up Mr. Knipper´s address in the telephone book of a gas station phone booth, and we drove to the house. Mr. Knipper wasn´t home at the time, but Dad did get to speak to a family member who promised to relay to him that my dad stopped by to see him.

What a tremendous impact Mr. Knipper had on my dad´s life. The old saying about teachers affecting eternity is certainly true. Condolences to his family and friends.

Christine Ruppert Zimmermann

Other

June 12, 2022

Thank you so very much for the years at Richfield (1976-1979) in German class, Herr Knipper. You were by far one of the most inspirational teachers I had the privilege learning from. My sympathy and prayers go out to your family. God Bless.

Sharon Sells Kelley

May 29, 2013

I had Coach Knipper for chemistry during my senior year of high school at old Waco High in 1960-61. I really learned in and enjoyed his class. His was a laid-back but common-sense way of presenting material that few teachers can master. I was so fortunate to have had him. My best friend, Beth (Martin) Garrett cocurs with me as he was her chemistry teacher also.
Sincerely,
Dian (McCarty) Bethany

May 25, 2013

Such a beloved teacher, coach, and above all, remarkable human being. I was privileged to be one of his students in chemistry class my junior year at Waco High in 1961. He made learning fun and I always enjoyed it. A dear man who will be missed by many but better persons having known him. Thank you, Mr. Knipper for all you did!

Phyllis (Tadlock) Wieser

May 25, 2013

Coach was a guiding influence in my life. To say he was a role model is to little. He was a man who cared about all students, not just his players, and he will be missed by all. I loved him and he "showed us the way to go home".

mike adams

May 24, 2013

Ralph & Linda Klatt

May 24, 2013

Jeff,
Please know that I am thinking about you and your family at this time.
I am so sorry to hear about your father and want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mr. Knipper was a wonderful man and a wonderful teacher and meant so much to us all.
Please accept my deepest sympathy Jeff.
Mary Cashion-Smith

Mary Cashion-Smith

May 24, 2013

Coach Knipper took me to Camp Stewart in Hunt, Tx to work as a wrangler with him in 1958....a life changing experience. He was a coach and teacher to me at West Jr. and later at Waco High School. Never a better influence than he on my life.

Harold Crocker

May 24, 2013

Benjamin/Tessie Leonido & Family

May 24, 2013

I can't say all the things I owe to Mr. Knipper thanks to his guidance, high expectations, modeling of what makes a great teacher, humor, and dedication to every single thing he did. There's just too much. I took six classes with him--German, chemistry, physics--and went on the Europe trip with him, along with participating in the after-school academic activities he led. It almost seems like my entire high school learning experience was with Mr. Knipper, he was such a huge part of it. At the time, as a teen, I wasn't aware enough of how much energy, time, dedication, kindness, and patience it takes to do all that he did. Now that I've gone on to teach, as well, I appreciate him all the more. Like many others here, I majored in German as an undergraduate (for three years) thanks in part to his passion for the language, and I genuinely believe that if it weren't for his own love of chemistry, in particular, I might not have become so permanently enamored with science and become the scientist I am today. So many people have sat in his classrooms experiencing his smart, thoughtful, kind way of teaching. His good influence on the world is incalculable.

Emily Willingham, PhD
Richfield '85

Emily Willingham

May 23, 2013

Mr. Knipper -- what an original. I could sum up what's wrong with schools today in one sentence: There aren't enough Ed Knippers to go around. He made me doubly proud of my German heritage, instilled a life-long love of that language, and on his student trip to Europe I saw for the first time what a big world there was beyond Waco. He had a great sense of humor too . . . like when he decorated his classroom door for Christmas with racy covers from Stern magazine and letters that spelled "Merry X-mas" -- then the other teachers got bent out of shape and made him take it down. He was always making us laugh and showed how life can be enjoyed. He will be truly missed. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

Mike Klatt

May 23, 2013

I was saddened to hear this news. I didn't have Mr. Knipper for a class at Richfield, but did get to go with him to Europe in the summer of 1974. We made lifetime memories, and he was at the heart of many funny stories. He was a prince of a man and a joy to know. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Mark Jaynes

May 23, 2013

In 1969, my sister and I went on a great adventure to Europe and Germany with Mary and Ed's group from Waco even though we lived in Baytown. It was the first life changing experience of my life guided by their gentle, just right amount of supervision and freedom. His intellect and good humor and that twinkle in his eye stand out the most in my mind and that he just loved what he was doing--exposing 16 and 17 year olds to the world and language and culture and just watching them soak it in.
Later I moved to Waco and much later took a Calligraphy course from him and was just as impressed. I just loved Mr. Knipper!
My sympathy to all of his family and friends who will miss him and especially to his wife Mary.

Linda Williams

May 23, 2013

Coach Knipper was my baseball coach, my mentor and my friend. His influence has followed me throughout my life. His example of discipline, teamwork, perseverance and fair play still guide me today. He made each of us feel special and he taught us to respect the game, respect each other, and to respect our opponent. And he taught us to have fun, to enjoy the moment but prepare for the future. You truly can't fully measure or appreciate the impact of a man like Coach on so many people over so many years as an educator, a coach, a mentor and a friend. I am so thankful that our Ram baseball group had a number of reunions with Coach and Mrs. Knipper over the years to let him know how important he was to us. He was a true gentleman, a tremendous educator,a great coach and a wonderful friend.
I truly loved him and will miss him dearly. I can hear it like it was yesterday..."Hey shagger, get that deal".
We will all miss you coach.
Louis Fadal

May 23, 2013

The finest teacher I ever had. He was a brilliant, dignified, caring and frequently hilarious man who had a tremendous impact on my life. We will always love you, Herr Knipper.

Melissa Segrest

May 23, 2013

Mr. Knipper was my Chemistry teacher at Richfield and helped me earn admission to West Point in July 1964. He taught chemistry so well that I went on to minor in Chemistry at the Academy. Mr. Knipper was a wonderful man and great mentor for me. God bless you and keep you, Mr. Knipper.

Mike Trollinger

May 23, 2013

It would be hard to find anyone who was loved by more people. We can't remember ever hearing anyone say anything negative about Mr. Knipper, and that is not an exaggeration. He was the best teacher, the most delightful person, and the most wonderful example and role model. From 1969 to 1972 we were fortunate enough to have Mr. Knipper for German and also to travel with him on study trips to Europe. We will always remember the hard work in his classes, but more than anything else, we will remember his sense of humor. When he opened his mouth, you didn't know if you were about to hear some rule of German grammar or a wisecrack that would have the entire class rolling on the floor. That kept you on your toes and made learning fun. Mr. Knipper was the kind of teacher who made you want to learn, and you always wanted to be prepared when you went to his class. But on those days when you hadn't read the assignment, he had some mysterious sort of radar that would home in on you, without fail. When that happened, you knew that life was going to be a trial for the next several minutes. But when Mr. Knipper raked you over the coals, you knew he was doing it because he cared about you and wanted you to be the best you could be, and you emerged as a better student.

Mike & Diane Helm Smith

May 23, 2013

My condolences to the Knipper family on the loss of a great man, Mr. Knipper. He was my German teacher for 3 wonderful years at Richfield, and he was the most captivating and energetic teacher any of us had ever had--Melissa Segrest, Susuan Brister and I actually formed a German club! His nickname for me was, "Fraulein Klugheit." He motivated us to learn and caused us to love German, which we did. Ironically, my daughter is now a professional ballerina in Dresden, so my German is still being used! Thank you, Mr. Knipper, for all you gave to me and so many others.

Elizabeth Hardeman Beach

May 23, 2013

The halls he walked may not have been the halls of power, but he, more than most, made the world and each who knew him better. A knightly gentleman, a gem of purest ray.

Otto Wilke

May 23, 2013

We sat together tonight and read all the love for you...our hearts are soaring and broken at the same time. You changed more lives than anyone could fathom. You were the epitome of greatness. I adore you and will forever. Those that love you will never falter, you amazing, precious, fabulous man....

Emily

May 22, 2013

As I skimmed through the nessages, I knew that so many of us benefited from this dedicated, committed, incredible individual who served as such a positve role model. I remember him as a gentleman who put far more than 110% into all that he undertook. And I didn't even play for him on a team. I was just a student that he touched with his kindness, his wit, his drive for all of us--in his class or on his team or what--to be the best that we could be. Rest in peace, dear Mr. Knipper.

Anne Herdman Sundquist

May 22, 2013

I was a Chemistry student of Coach Knipper at Richfield High School in 1963-64. He was such a positive influence on so many of us in our formative years. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Jo Anne Reese Norwood

May 22, 2013

Like Pat Smith, I also majored in German after a summer in Germany with Mr. Knipper. I am so happy that Katharine and I had a chance to visit with him a couple of years ago in Waco; he was one of the finest men I have ever known.

Jan Alexander

May 22, 2013

A «good» teacher, fails to describe him. He was one of my teachers at West Jr.I will never forget him, or his way with students. No one can. I salute his service to America in WWII.

Don Marion

May 22, 2013

Waco will miss this incredible man, teacher, mentor, and friend. Generations of students have learned from him, teachers have been fortunate to teach with him, and many count him as their friend. I have known him since I was 12 when he was my math teacher at West Junior. My sisters got to have him at Richfield. My parents became friends with the Knippers. Our whole family benefited from knowing him. A life well lived! Thanks for sharing him!

Katy Oliver Moore

May 22, 2013

The world has lost a true gentleman! Joe, Eileen and family, I am so sorry for this loss. Treasure your memories, Mr. Knipper was a wonderful person.

Teresa Reeves

May 22, 2013

A true inspiration as a teacher--he doomed me to major in German in college--an awesome friend, and great leader---going on one of his Germany trips in high school was one of my great experiences---he will be missed---Best to Mary, Jeff & Joe--we are thinking about you.

Pat Smith

May 22, 2013

Ed Knipper was a wonderful human being. He touched my life in many ways, starting as a teacher then as a football and baseball coach first at West Jr. High and later at Waco High. I was a longtime resident at the Methodist Home in Waco (‘49-62) and for many of these years Coach Knipper served as an inspiration and personal role model in life, sports and academics. One summer he helped me attend Johnny Kerrigan's baseball camp in Meridian, TX. He was truly a unique teacher and motivated my interest in science which eventually led to my career in medical research. In recent years I enjoyed an annual dinner date with him and Mary in an attempt to express my gratitude for all that he did for me. He was more than a friend and mentor, and I will miss him.
Melvin Trousdale, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus
University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine
Senior Scientist, Doheny Eye Institute
Los Angeles, CA

Melvin Trousdale

May 22, 2013

Joe & Eileen & all the family, So sorry for your loss. But, so glad your Dad is no longer suffering! May God bless you with all His wonderful peace & comfort of the Holy Spirit. Love you! Eva Harkrider

Eva Harkrider

May 22, 2013

I have a wonderful memory of him trying to teach me calligraphy at a womens' group meeting. Wonderful and patient man! My sympathies to his family.

Denyse Rodgers

May 22, 2013

Mr. Knipper, You are still an inspiration to me 28 years after I had you for Physics. I will never forget that you called us "Dr." when you called on us in class. Thank you for all you did for me!
Leslie Willingham Moulton

Leslie Moulton

May 22, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with this great man's family. I have wonderful memories of German class and our group caroling on his doorstep as we sang "O Tannenbaum" in our poor high school German. As he sang along (and corrected our pronunciation)it was wonderful. Mr. Knipper, you will be truly missed!

Missy Lamkin Kittner

May 22, 2013

What a sad day this is.

Amy Monnig Hand

May 22, 2013

Coach Knipper, a very special person. He will be missed.

Rick Warren

May 22, 2013

What a wonderful human being! I'm glad to have been taught by him and to have known him over the many years. He taught my children and we have examples of his artistry as warming souvenirs. We share your sadness at his parting while we are grateful for his presence in our lives and the life of our community!

Roane Lacy

May 22, 2013

Kim Littlewood

May 22, 2013

Herr Knipper, Wonderful memories of a super teacher. Thank you and Mrs Knipper for the great memories of studying German abroad. Love to all

Kathy Farley

May 22, 2013

Wonderful memories of a special teacher and mentor. It was an honor to have had him for German and to study abroad with Mr and Mrs Knipper.

May 22, 2013

Second half of the RHS Football picture with Coach Knipper in it...Smiles

Robert Busby

May 22, 2013

Coach Knipper was my football line coach at RHS (1967-1969) and my German teacher...he came to me one day and said Rob, if you keep playing great football and promise never to take my German class again, I will give you a C in the German course...wonder what that was all about...RIP Coach Knipper you will be missed.

Robert Busby

May 22, 2013

Sending love and thinking of wonderful memories of taking Parker to the ice show and all of us wearing those huge blue coats to stay warm while we looked at ice sculptures. Was a really fun day. I love the photo of all of us in the coats... then having a delicious dinner eating pink salt with bread and butter. Love, warm hugs and soft kisses Ms. Mary, Aunt Emily and Uncle Jeff.

Melanie Austin

May 22, 2013

Waco has lost another great legend. Coach Ed Knipper was the finest coach and one of the greatest individuals that I have been fortunate enough to have known. In the fall of 1959 he took over has head baseball coach at Waco High School. In that spring season, our team won district that year, and then the following season in 1961, he became the first Waco High coach to take a team to the State Finals, where a bad hop cost us a probable State Championship that year. He was a firm but always fair coach; you would hear him during practice whenever a foul ball was hit out of play...."shagger, watch that deal"!

As a neighbor, I would often pass by and say hello. He always had a smile and always something positive to say.

Coach - you will be missed!

JOHN DICKEY

May 22, 2013

My sincere thoughts and prayers to the family of such a wonderful and courageous human being. Grant them peace and the comfort that only a family can understand. Thanks too for their sharing Mr Knipper with all of us.

Former Student (RHS 72')

Jamie Morris

May 22, 2013

Mrs. "Coach Knip", Jeff and family, Joe and family: it is so difficult to express my thoughts on Coach Knip! Other than my own parents, no one had such a profound and positive impact on my life as the coach. Not a day goes by that I do not think of something that Coach Knip did or said. I am proud to say that he was my role model and mentor as he was to so many other young men growing up during his days at RHS. May God bless you and thank you for sharing the coach with so many young people over the years. On the road trips back home, Coach Knip always sang us the song, "Show Me the Way to Go Home." I know that Coach Knip has found the way home. I am proud to say, "I love you Coach Knip! You were the greatest!"

Jim Smith

May 22, 2013

I will always be grateful to Mr. Ed Knipper for his positive,strong, and insightful teaching and mentorship of my son, John K. Charlton, a 1983 Richfield HS graduate.
Tom Charlton

Thomas Charlton

May 22, 2013

Forever in our hearts...

Jeff and Emily

May 22, 2013

Forever in our hearts...

Emily and Jeff

May 22, 2013

To Jeff and Emily - sending you love, prayers, and hope that God will comfort you through this difficult times. All of our love - Maxwell & Michael McLaughlin

Michael McLaughlin

May 22, 2013

Our grief in losing you tempered only by the joy, love and memories you gave us. You were simply the very best and we treasure you. Forever. All our love, Jeff and Emily

May 22, 2013

Herr Knipper...the BEST teacher I had in public school. I had the privilege of traveling to Europe with him in 1970.i still remember lots of his simple little phrases and trivia about German. What a wonderful full life he had! We were lucky to have known him.

John Grobman

May 22, 2013

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Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home

6101 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX 76710

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