Paul Joseph Knopp

Paul Joseph Knopp died on August 10, 2017, in Flower Mound, TX, following a brief struggle with pneumonia. Paul was born in San Antonio, TX, on January 3, 1934, to Mr. Claude C. Knopp and Pauline Hasselmeier Knopp. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Margaret; his sister, Claudia Knopp Waldron; his daughter, Cynthia Ann; and his grandson, James Anthony Junginger. Paul is survived by his son, John; his daughter, Elizabeth Knopp Junginger and her husband, Mark; his granddaughters, Jessica and Christina Junginger; his half-brother, Brian Knopp, and half-sister, Janet Knopp Frick; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Paul spent most of his younger years in Galveston, TX. He was valedictorian of the class of 1950 at Ball High School. From 1950 to 1960, he was a member of the Jesuit order. He received a BS at Spring Hill College in 1954, an AM degree from Harvard University in 1960, and a PhD from the University of Texas in 1962. All his degrees were in mathematics. Much of his education was funded by grants from the National Science Foundation for outstanding mathematical and scientific work.

Paul married Margaret Mary Belluomini on June 8, 1963. Paul and Margaret knew each other growing up; their mothers were very close friends in Galveston. They had three children, Cynthia Ann Knopp, Elizabeth Knopp Junginger, and John Knopp. They spent most of their lives together in Houston, TX.

Paul taught college-level math for the majority of his career at several universities: the University of Missouri, University of Houston, University of California, Berkeley, Houston Baptist University, and the University of St. Thomas. He published many articles in prestigious journals and won multiple awards for outstanding teaching. Paul took a hiatus from teaching in the 1970s and 1980s and went to work with his cousin, Ronald O. Walker, in real estate appraisal, along with his great friends Frank Lucco and Joe Fiore. They formed a fun team. He kept a hand in teaching during that time as well, as he became devoted to helping the "non-math-major" types by writing and teaching courses on personal finance and lower- level math. During Paul's retirement years, he was cared for faithfully by his son, John.

Paul will be remembered for his many kind and gentle personality traits and his love of math and science (his hobbies included astronomy, meteorology, classical music, chaos theory and Blue Bell ice cream). However, what truly set Paul apart was his genuine love for other people. When he visited with you, spoke with you, or taught you, you were his complete focus. He was fascinated by and loved every individual he spent time or worked with. Whether he was actively helping you or simply listening to you, his attentiveness made you feel so very special. You would be the center of his heart.

Memorial services will include a visitation and Rosary service at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, at Earthman's Funeral Home, 4525 Bissonnet St., Bellaire, TX. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 6921 Chetwood Dr., Houston, TX, on Monday, August 14, at 10:00 a.m. A private burial will follow at Mt. Olivet in Dickinson, TX, where he will be buried alongside his mother, wife, and daughter. In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation in Paul's name to Star of Hope Mission (sohmission.org), The Epilepsy Foundation of Texas (eftx.org), or your favorite charity would be welcome.

For more information please go to www.earthmanbellaire.com.