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Robert McKnight Obituary
El Paso - LCDR Robert Van McKnight, USN Ret., passed away on March 12, 2021 surrounded by his family. McKnight led a colorful, productive, and distinguished life. He joined the US Navy at age 17 and served from 1961 to 1993. During his career with the Navy, he served aboard the USS Yorktown and USS Meyerkord. McKnight was honored to be the Officer of the Day on the USS Arizona during the 50th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. McKnight was active in the political arena. He started with John Kennedy as a valet. He later served as a campaign manager for John Glenn's presidential campaign and Ronald Coleman's campaign for Congress in the 16th District. McKnight was President of the Magoffin Home Association during the 1980's. The Magoffin Home Association, along with Jay J. Armes, helped stop the state of Texas from closing the Magoffin Home. McKnight was responsible for setting up meetings between Phil Gramm and the Job Corps which brought Gramm to El Paso. Gramm toured the center and appreciated the benefits of the program which was reported to then President Ronald Reagan. Funding for the El Paso Job Corps was reinstated due to Gramm's visit. McKnight was also involved in launching a Navy ROTC program at the University of El Paso which was denied by Diana Natalicio. McKnight is preceded in death by his mother, Maria M. McKnight, father, George H. McKnight, and daughter, Lupita McKnight. He is survived by his children Beatriz McKnight, Priscilla "Gigi" Smith, Robert V. McKnight, Jr., and Mariel McKnight; sisters Gigi Mayea and Emma Caylor; grandchildren Ryan Salas, Peter Ramos, Cristina Ramos, Zoe McKnight, Robert Smith, and Matthew Smith; great granddaughter Aurora Joy Ramos. Gathering is at Martin Funeral Home - West on Sunday, March 28th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Rosary Service is at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be held on Monday, March 29th at St. Patrick's Cathedral at 8:30 a.m. Burial will follow mass for immediate family members due to current restrictions.
LCDR Robert Van McKnight, USN Retirado, falleció el 12 de marzo del 2021 rodeado por su familia. McKnight llevó una vida colorida, productiva y distinguida. Se unió a la Marina de Estados Unidos a los 17 años y sirvió desde 1961 hasta 1993. Durante su carrera con la Marina, sirvió a bordo del USS Yorktown y el USS Meyerkord. McKnight tuvo el honor de ser el Oficial del Día en el USS Arizona durante el 50 aniversario del ataque a Pearl Harbor. McKnight participó activamente en la arena política. Comenzó con John Kennedy como ayuda de cámara. Más tarde se desempeñó como gerente de campaña para la campaña presidencial de John Glenn y la campaña de Ronald Coleman para el Congreso en el Distrito 16. McKnight fue presidente de Magoffin Home Association durante la década de 1980. Esta, junto con Jay J. Armes, ayudaron a evitar que el estado de Texas cerrara el Magoffin Home. McKnight fue responsable de organizar reuniones entre Phil Gramm y Job Corps que llevaron a Gramm a El Paso. Gramm recorrió el centro y apreció los beneficios del programa que se informó al entonces presidente Ronald Reagan. Los fondos para El Paso Job Corps se restablecieron debido a la visita de Gramm. McKnight también participó en el lanzamiento de un programa ROTC de la Marina en la Universidad de El Paso, que fue rechazado por Diana Natalicio. McKnight es precedido en muerte por su madre María M. McKnight, su padre George H. McKnight, y su hija Lupita McKnight. Le sobreviven sus hijos: Beatriz McKnight, Priscilla ""Gigi"" Smith, Robert V. McKnight, Jr. y Mariel McKnight; sus hermanas: Gigi Mayea y Emma Caylor; sus nietos: Ryan Salas, Peter Ramos, Cristina Ramos, Zoe McKnight, Robert Smith y Matthew Smith; y su bisnieta Aurora Joy Ramos. El velorio es en Martin Funeral Home-West el domingo 28 de marzo a partir de las 5:00 p.m. a las 9:00 p.m. El servicio del rosario es a las 7:00 p.m. La misa se llevará a cabo el lunes 29 de marzo en la Catedral de San Patricio a las 8:30 a.m. El entierro proseguirá a la misa solo para los miembros de la familia inmediata debido a las restricciones actuales.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert McKnight
Sponsored by ElPasoTimes.com.
Petra
December 30, 2023
I had 3 readings with Robert Mc Knight he was the best .
Everything he said came true so far except for one thing but I believe with all my heart that this will come true also . He was an amazing person. I never will forget his last words he told me he said later on in life I will look back and remember his name when I am married with my future husband who starts with the letter R or M or S red car means something . He told me to be patient
One day I will look back like you said when I found my future husband
Sandra Jean Martinez
October 29, 2021
I am so sorry my condolences go out to all of Robert's family. I feel so bad I eventually lost touch with him. I used to request him for readings at the fairs they held in El Paso, Texas he was thee best and most accurate reader I had ever been to. He was truly gifted and an amazing genuine human being. He was a great friend who will be missed, he is flying with the angels now. Robert now that you are in heaven give a big hug to my relatives my dear friend.
Liz
March 27, 2021
Thank you Robert for your awesome friendship. So many years, so many fun times. Music was always the best of all to enjoy. I will always keep all memories in my heart. I'll see you at the sandbox.
Benny Ramirez
March 26, 2021
Robert , Thank you for your friendship and great music that all your friend will miss at the dog park. You always had a kind word and a great smile and taking the time to pet everyone dog. The love that you had for your two dogs is unsaid. Robert they say in life that a person that can make you smile and laugh will add years to your life. Thank Robert for adding years to my life GO NAVY RIP
Layla Oropeza
March 20, 2021
Mi corazón está triste porque mi Robert se nos fue. El siempre me dio muchos consejos que me ayudaron a mi carrera. Siempre me decía: Eres trabajadora del gobierno. El cual continuó trabajando con el Estado de Arizona. Hace 6 años que me fui a viví a Phoenix. El me dijo que voy a crecer en mi carrera en un lugar grande. Cuando estaba viviendo en El Paso. Lo visitaba cuando andaba cercas de su casa. A mi hijo le encanta su guitarra. Y también nos fascinaba cómo adoraba a sus perritos. Robert tenía un corazón noble. Ahora que conozco más de su vida me quedo con una bendición de verlo conocido porque fue una persona bien exitosa y ayudo a muchas personas. Me felicitaba en mis cumpleaños. Y el año pasado me dijo de su condición.Yo tenía la esperanza de verlo cuando fuera a El Paso. Pero sólo Dios sabe cuando es el tiempo de llevarse a un ángel. Dios me lo tenga en su Santa gloria. Mis oraciones están con su familia y con los perritos de Robert.
Judith Nicolas
March 20, 2021
I will always remember your wise words and advice. Rest In Peace Mr McKnight.
Mike Casey
March 19, 2021
Cmdr. McKnight,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your years of dedicated service and sacrifice for our Country when you served with the USN during the Cold War. Millions of Americans slept safe at night because you and your fellow Servicemen stood ready to defend our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Fair Winds And Following Seas
Beatriz Ortega Cano
March 19, 2021
We met at the doggy park and we soon became very good friends. You and your quitar brought so much joy to all of us. I will never forget your songs. You will be dearly missed. Rejoice with God in eternal peace my friend.
Rosette McCullough
March 19, 2021
Many fond memories of an awesome friend. Until we meet again!
Tino Cabello
March 18, 2021
Bobby was such a neat friend, a great guy and so much fun to be with. We first met when we were in the eighth grade, he was at St. Patrick's, the enemy, and I was at St. Joseph's, the good guys. We solidified our friendship at Cathedral High and kept in touch the rest of our lives. I remember his Mother, such a fine lady, and his sister, Emma, who is so loving. We would see each other at the Cathedral High homecomings and Tamaladas. That was so nice. I will miss you, I will pray for you and hopefully I will see you up there.
Hector Triste
March 18, 2021
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved ones today and always. Thank you for all that you did for me while I was a student at the El Paso Job Corps Center. You will be greatly missed Mr. McKnight. God Bless
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Memorial Gathering
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Martin Funeral Home West128 North Resler Drive, El Paso, TX 79912
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