Reginald W. Knapper

Reginald W. "Knap" Knapper, 71, of Houston, died Tuesday, December 9, 2025, after many years of declining health. Diagnosed with Pulmonary Sarcoidosis 40 years ago, he dealt with many health challenges over the course of his illness. He was born August 7, 1954, in Danville, Va., a son of the late Nannie Hairston Knapper Walker and John Robertson. He was raised by his mom and the late Thomas P. Knapper Jr. Reggie was a 1972 graduate of Chartiers- Houston High School, where he was a standout athlete in football and baseball. In football, he was part of the 1971 Class B Championship team that was inducted into the Washington- Greene Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Reggie was drafted out of high school by the Kansas City Royals. Unfortunately, a rotator cuff injury to his pitching arm derailed that path. Throughout the years, he continued to play softball with several teams in the area. He had worked for Fairmont Supply as a truck driver, retiring due to his health in 2009. Reggie was an avid sports fan and die-hard Raiders fan despite saying many times over the years "they weren't any good". He enjoyed listening to oldies, playing cards, watching Westerns, tinkering in his garage, and cutting grass for anyone that needed it done. Surviving are his daughters, Jennifer Riggs (Darren) of Washington, and Regina Knapper (Stephen Woods) of Houston; a granddaughter, Jazmin Kelley Jackson (Tyheed) of Philadelphia; a brother, Jerry Robertson of Danville, Va.; a sister, Kimberly Knapper- Lowery (Jeff) of Penn Hills; and many extended family and friends. Deceased, in addition to his parents, are three brothers, James W. Robertson, Allen Knapper and Robert P. Knapper. His daughters would also like to recognize with a debt of gratitude "Reggie's Angels", Vicki Stanko and Ceil Knapper for the many years of help in making hospital trips, attending appointments, grocery shopping and cleaning his house. You name it, they were there. Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, in the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, with the Rev. Joseph Wheeler officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made, in Reggie's name, to the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com