George M. Knox Jr.

George M. Knox Jr. of West Chester George M. Knox, Jr., 86, a lifetime resident of West Chester, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, at Neighborhood Hospice Inpatient Unit in West Chester. George was the son of the late George M. Knox Sr. and Anita Brouse Knox. A graduate of West Chester High School, class of 1944, he entered the Navy and served on a mine sweeper in the Pacific. As a young man he worked for his father's trucking business, Knox and Marshman, along with his brother Reed. A local businessman, he was the owner of Knox Equipment Rental, until he sold it to his grandson, Knox Automotive and Knox Car Wash. George's interests and adventures were many: volunteer work at Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Alaska, along with extended stays in Africa through Africa Inland Mission. During these tours he transported supplies, fuel and food to different mission bases in Kenya, Zaire and the Central African Republic. His duties also included repairing everything from machinery to Maguires trucks. George also volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chester County and enjoyed his time with his little brother, Darren. His hobbies included flying and owning a Piper Cherokee with his son, Mark. George and friend, the late Ed Gilbert Sr., had the opportunity to fly over the Alps in a gas balloon, starting in Murren, Switzerland and landing in Italy. A collector of antique cars, he was an original member of the Antique Car Club of Chester County. His collection included everything from Model T Fords to Sterling Trucks. In his younger years he was a member of the Eagle Gun Club, but in later life gave up the rifle for the camera as his love for wildlife grew. He supported the Chester County SPCA and other animal and wildlife organizations. A 64-year member of the West Chester Masonic Lodge #322, George was a past member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and a special friend of Covenant Presbyterian Church of Frazer. George was currently a member of First Presbyterian of West Chester. He was married to Mary Chambers Knox from 1950 until her death in 1979. From this marriage they had four children: William Knox (Jill), Linda McConnell (Chuck), Mark Knox (Ginny) and Sandy Coll (Jimmy). In May 1983 George met Helga Procht and they married in October 1994. In addition to his wife and children, George is survived by his sister, Anita Moltz (Ted) of Sarasota, Fla.; grandchildren, Bill Knox Jr. (Lisa), Allison Wert (Scott), Carly Trowell (Steve), Matt Knox, Julia Coll, Martha Knox, and Ryan Knox; five great-grandchildren, Kendall, Logan, Tyler, Owen and Zachary; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Reed; sister, Jean Hauser; twin brother, James; and grandson, Jonathan Knox. George was a gentleman until the very end of his life, a lover of life, a man concerned about the environment and mankind in general. Helping his fellow man has important to him. Leapin' Lizards, and Jumpin' Catfish were phrases that made us laugh. He felt life gave him Serendipity. A man who touched many lives, we are sure that he has started his next journey. A celebration of George's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Chester County SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Arrangements are being handled by the Founds Funeral Home, Inc., West Chester, 610-696-0134. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.foundsfuneralhome.com.