Robert Earl Knatt

August 11, 1948 -
August 25, 2024
Legendary local music educator, Robert Earl Knatt, age 76 of SeaTac, Washington, passed away at home on Sunday, August 25, 2024, peacefully in his sleep.
Funeral services will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Bonney Watson Funeral Home and Cemetery (16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188), starting with a viewing at 11:00am, funeral at 12:00pm, burial service at 2:00pm, followed by a repast. Apostle James E. Sears III of Grace Temple will be officiating.
Following the funeral service, a second line will proceed to the burial site for a Louisiana-style celebration of life, honoring Robert's upbringing and life's work.
Robert Earl Knatt was born in New Iberia, Louisiana to John Clement Knatt and Mary Louise Johnson on August 11, 1948. He was the first to attend college in his family at Grambling State University on a music scholarship, where he played the trumpet in the World Famed Tiger Marching Band before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. Upon his college graduation, he was offered a job with the Seattle Public Schools and moved across the country to begin his career as a successful music educator. He married Gaynell Purvis, and after she completed her studies at Grambling State, she quickly joined her new husband in Seattle. During his early years in Seattle, Robert attended the University of Washington, where he received a teaching certificate, and joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Robert taught at Rainier Beach High School, South Shore Middle School and Washington Middle School, retiring in 2008 after 36 years in education. Throughout his career, Robert achieved many awards and received many accolades for his legendary music program and instruction. In his retirement, he was approached to join a local organization called JazzEd, a jazz education program that aims to liberate and inspire students while increasing access in the music room. Robert taught middle school and high school students in the JazzEd program for six years, in addition to becoming a published author. He has been recognized by many organizations over the years for his contributions to music education, including an induction into the Washington Music Educators Association Hall of Fame, and the Earshot Jazz Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame. In fact, June 7th has been declared Robert Knatt Day by proclamation of the Mayor of Seattle.
Robert Earl Knatt is preceded in death by his parents, John Clement Knatt and Mary Louise Johnson; father-in-law, Edward Francis Purvis; mother-in-law, Mildred Rhone Purvis; his brother, Oswald Carl Simon Sr.; and his son, Robert Earl Knatt II.
Robert Earl Knatt is survived by his wife, Gaynell Purvis Knatt; daughter, Lakesha Nichelle Knatt; son, Marcus Edward Knatt; daughter-in-law, Adilene Farias; granddaughters, Liliana, Bilen, Sofia and Abryana; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other extended family members and friends.
Pallbearers will include Marcus Knatt, Don Thompson, David Hookfin, Wadie Ervin, Willie Fisher and Shirish Mulherkar.
Memorials may be sent to the Bonney Watson Funeral Home and Cemetery (16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188). The family of Robert Earl Knatt would like to thank Bonney Watson Funeral Home and Cemetery, the Kaiser Permanente Hospice Team, and our family and friends for their unwavering support. Special thanks to those who have reached out with cards, phone calls, music inspiration, and words of comfort during the last few years of Robert's life.