George W. Knepper

1926 - 2018

George W. Knepper

George W. Knepper, Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus and University Historian at The University of Akron, died on October 20, 2018 at the age of 92. He was born on Jan. 15, 1926 to the late Rev. George W. Knepper and Grace Darling Knepper.

Two weeks after graduating from Buchtel High School in 1943, he was activated into the U.S. Navy's V-12 program. He earned the rank of Ensign, and then served in the South Pacific.

Following honorable discharge from the Navy, he completed his BA degree in History at The University of Akron in 1948. In the following year he served as the Asst. Advisor of Men in the Dean of Students office. He completed his MA and PhD degrees at The University of Michigan, spending the 1953-54 academic year as a Fulbright Fellow at The University of London, in England.

George Knepper began his teaching career at The University of Akron in 1954, and retired in 1992. Along the way, in addition to teaching History, he served in many administrative capacities: Head of the History Dept., Dean of the Buchtel College of Liberal Arts (now Arts and Sciences), Interim Vice-Pres. for Academic Affairs, and Director of Educational Research and Development. He served in these administrative positions when needed, but his heart and vocation were in the classroom, where he excelled in bringing history to life for hundreds of students.

He chaired the committee that was instrumental in the University's accepting the gift of Hower House, and the committee that planned and executed the University's year-long centennial celebration. As part of the latter, he wrote a centennial history, New Lamps for Old, the research for which uncovered material that formed the first collections of the newly established University Archives. His later book, Summit's Glory, was the first book published by the new University of Akron Press.

George Knepper's professional papers and oral presentations at colleges and universities throughout Ohio averaged about three per year for more than forty years. In addition, his popular speeches about Ohio's rich history took him to groups large and small all over the State for some fifty years, earning him the affectionate title of "Mr. Ohio". In retirement years, his talks were given under the auspices of the Ohio Humanities Council Speaker's Bureau.

He was the author of eight books, including the popular, award-winning Ohio and Its People.

He served on the board and was president of the Ohio Historical Society, the Ohio Academy of History, and the Summit County Historical Society. These groups, along with the Ohioana Library Association and the Ohio Humanities Council honored him with their highest awards.

The University of Akron awarded him the honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters, the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Presidential Medallion, and a number of other awards for teaching and University service.

He also had television related activities. He was co-producer and script writer for a series of six films called "Ohio, the Glory and the Dream: Ohio's Response to War". He wrote and presented "Patterns in Patriotism" (four lectures on American military history). In addition, he served as consultant or script writer or commentator for numerous other filming ventures.

For twenty-one years he conducted tours of Akron for Leadership Akron, and delivered two lectures annually for that organization. He served as consultant for numerous organizations such as the National Park Service, National Endowment for the Humanities, Akron Children's Hospital, Ohio Energy, etc., as they were in the process of writing their respective histories.

His personal life was centered on family and many diverse activities. In the younger years there was tennis, and always, hiking and biking in the Valley. He enjoyed a wide variety of music genres, but his special love was boogie woogie. (And he played a mean Knepper version on his piano.)

From his childhood days, he knew and loved the Valley, long before it became the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The many picnics there with his parents and sisters probably led to his life-long love of hamburgers, which, in turn, made him a loyal customer of Swenson's, from days of their first little stand in the 1930's to the present popular spot on Rt. 59 in Stow. He loved talking with the young car-hops, and they returned the affection by giving him an occasional free lunch. (And he kept a tally!)

The northwestern part of Michigan's lower peninsula was a special, annual vacation spot from the time when he was six years old, continuing the wonderful times with Phyllis, Susan and John; then with grandchildren, and members of the larger family. In retirement years, he and Phyllis also enjoyed many trips in the U.S. and Europe.

Dr. Knepper was pre-deceased by his parents, and sisters: Jean Knepper, Nancy Knepper, and Betty Mikolashek.

His love for his family was boundless, and this was reciprocated. He leaves Phyllis (nee Watkins), wife of 69 years; daughter, Susan Oliver; son, John Knepper; daughter-in-law, Mary Knepper; grandchildren: Allison Delaney (Ben), John Gillen (Randi), Tyson Gillen (Ciera), Scott Knepper, Brian Knepper (Katarena), and Michael Knepper; great-grandchildren: Ireland and Jeremiah Delaney, Lisa and Emma Gillen, Nancy Gillen; also, his beloved nieces and nephews.

Two years ago, his family honored George with a special party for his 90th birthday, and he had a wonderful time. He said afterward, and many times since, "That was my big farewell". And so it shall be.

There will be no service or calling hours. A memorial gathering for family members will be held at a later date. Friends wishing to do so, may donate a gift in his name to:

The University of Akron Foundation, George W. Knepper Endowed Lecture, The Department of History, Akron, OH 44325. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Danbury Woods and BellaCare hospice. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence or Light a Candle, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)