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Robert Knox Obituary
CHATHAM - Robert "Bob" Knox, 76, of
Chatham died at 4 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2009, at his residence.
He was born April 5, 1933, in Union City, Tenn., the son of Eugene Knox and Rita Hackwith. He married Frances "Fran" A. Volk on Aug. 13, 1954.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a great-grandson, Ryne Sheehan; and three brothers, Eugene Jr., Charles and Alan
He is survived by his wife, Frances A. Knox of Chatham; a daughter, Kathy (deceased husband, Alan) Schnapp of Chatham; two sons, Robert M. (wife, Elizabeth) Knox of New Berlin and Patrick W. (wife, Crystal) Knox of Springfield; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, James (wife, Patricia) Knox of Springfield; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bob was a resident of Springfield most of his life. He retired in 1991 from Control Data Corp., and most recently worked part time at Uptown Garages at Fourth and Washington streets.
He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Illinois Army National Guard. He belonged to St. Joseph's Church in Chatham, where he was a member of the choir. Bob was a member of Knights of Columbus 4179, Eagles Aerie 437 and was a past member of the Prop Club. He was a member of Springfield Sports Hall of Fame and was inducted in 2008 as a Friend of Sport, and inducted in 2007 with the 1952 Feitshans football team. He was inducted in 2007 to the Illinois National Softball Association Hall of Fame. He was an umpire for over 50 years for high school and college softball and baseball. Bob was a member of the Springfield Bowling Association, where he served as a director and past president.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at Staab Funeral Home, with prayers at 4 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2009, at St. Joseph's Church in Chatham, with the Rev. John Nolan officiating. Burial will be at Old Salem Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
StaabObituary.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Knox
Vanessa Wiseman
August 1, 2009
Bob was always so nice when I would park on 4th street. He was a pleasure every other week when I would see him. My prayers go out to your family.
July 30, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the family of Bob. As a Feitshans High School graduate, I remember Bob (of course he was an "upper classman" to me) but he was always soft spoken, friendly, and such a gentlemen! In later years we met again when he was working at Control Data and I was with the Illinois State Lottery, and he was the same quiet gentlemen he had been in high school. I was so sorry to read that he had been sick for so long in the wonderful article in the paper - but it was great he continued to try to be active through his illness - even up to this past spring, attending various sports banquets, etc.
My deepest sympathy - he will certainly be missed by all! What a great guy!
Beverly (Walker) Sapp
Terry & Edna Vaughn
July 30, 2009
Kathy,Terry,Ann and the entire Knox family,we were truely sorry to hear of Bob's passing,so much grief in such a short time,stay strong, the good lord will give you each the strength you need to carry you through.I know how proud Terry spoke about his grandfather..he must of been an amazing and caring gentleman.Gob Bless you All.
Teri Clarke
July 30, 2009
The area has truly lost a gentleman with Bob"s passing. I knew Bob during my years of coaching Jr. High and High School softball at Pawnee. I will always remember him as a soft-spoken,friendly guy who loved umping SB games. During the past 5 years when I no longer coached SB if I was attending a game ,he would spot me and come over to fence in between innings shake my hand and ask how I and my girls were doing. Rest in Peace Bob
July 30, 2009
To Pat and the rest of the Knox family,
I want to let you know that earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal.
May God give you His perfect peace and comfort at this time.
Sincerely,
Valerie(Boyd)Stoner--a Randall Ct neighbor!
steve mitchell
July 29, 2009
to the family of bob knox sr. it was a pleasure knowing bob and having the honor of umpiring softball with him for many years. to bob knox jr. my sympathies go out to you and all your family members. i will be unable to attend the services due to previous engagements he will be truly missed by myself and the rest of the softball world. god bless steve mitchell
umpire-in-chief
four seasons
July 29, 2009
Bob was a pleasant and wonderful man. I knew him from downtown and saw him almost everyday. He was the sweetest man to see each morning. He will be truly missed!
Seana Holt
Augies Front Burner
Gary Sullivan
July 29, 2009
To Fran and the Knox family, Jan and I were saddened to hear of Bob passing. I have great memories of Bob as an umpire as Feitshans Flyer and as a member of the Volk family. He truly was one of the nicest guys I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. God Bless Bob and God Bless your family.
Gary and Jan Sullivan
Beezer
July 29, 2009
Knox Family - I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Bob. For many years he umped our women's league softball games, I was a catcher and got to spend a lot of time chatting with him. He was a great guy and a great ump, he will be greatly missed.
Todd, Kellee & Cayden Sporrer
July 29, 2009
Bob and family,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Chad & Val Ramey
July 28, 2009
To the Knox Family,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you durning this time of sadness. He was a wonderful man to all.
July 28, 2009
Fran,
We are saddened to hear of Bob's passing. We will always remember him from our days at the Prop Club. He was a good guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Ann & Don Lepper
July 28, 2009
Frances and family I was saddened to hear of Bob's passing but his "eternal life" is now beginning in Heaven.
Chuck and I enjoyed both of your friendships and Chuck always had a good time with Bob on their bowling league.
May God bless you and your family and may you hold onto the many beautiful memories that God has given you and he will sustain you.
Call me anytime and we will do lunch.
Fondly,
Sharon Nation
Virginia Knox
July 28, 2009
Fran, I`m am sorry to hear about ( uncle ) BOB. Just remember, the good lord wont put nothing on you that you cant handle. He is with his brothers and Tom. I still miss Tom with all my heart and soul. May god be with you.
Jody emerson-grimmett
July 28, 2009
Bob, I am sorry to hear of your loss, may god bless you and your family in this time of sadness.
Class of 77
Mike&Debbie Iocca
July 28, 2009
To the Knox family.
We are sorry for your loss are prayers are with you and your family.I looked at my old baseball scrapbooks and Bob's dad umpired a couple of my games that I pitched in he was a good umpire.
Budd Hudgins
July 28, 2009
Bob and Family
I am sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
GRETA HUSEMAN
July 28, 2009
FRAN-
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS....YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS... TIM,GRETA,HENRY&EMMA
Troy Vilayhong
July 28, 2009
Great person, good father and good umpire. God bliss and Overlook your familys and grand kids in heaven.
Donna Smargiassi
July 28, 2009
What a guy! Bob will be sorely missed. I had the pleasure of knowing BOB from softball umpiring/coaching. He was a top notch official and an even better person! My thoughts and prayers are with all of Bob's family.
Eugene Knox III
July 28, 2009
Rest in Peace Uncle Bob.
Runyon Henderson
July 28, 2009
To Bob and Family, sorry to hear of your loss and my deepest condolences to all. Remember him for the love that was given not for the love lost.
Barb Tanzyus
July 28, 2009
Bob,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. God's blessing to you and your family.
Take care and all the best.
July 28, 2009
To Bob Knox & Family,
Prayers are being lifted up for you and your family that the Lord will comfort and strengthen you.
Derrisk Stapleton-SSHS Class of 77
~Derrick Stapleton, Springfield,Ill.
Tom Armstead
July 28, 2009
God Bless you Bob and all your family.
april schnapp
July 28, 2009
grandpa was a great man he was dedicated to his family and friends he was active in bowling,and umpiring and etc. he will be missed and never forgotten i love you grandpa xoxo
Joe Carmody
July 28, 2009
All of us at Southeast High School missed you Bob and we are praying for you and yours now and ALWAYS!
Joe Carmody class of 77
Mike Sheehan
July 28, 2009
To the Knox family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Very saddened by your loss.He touched the hearts of all who knew him. He will be missed.
Clifton & L'Sonya Crawford-Jones & Family
July 28, 2009
To the Knox Family; Our prayers are with your entire family during this your season of loss. May the joy, peace & unfailing love of God grant you comfort, strength & healing today & always.
april schnapp
July 28, 2009
granpda was a wonderful man he was dedicated to his family and friends, he was a very active man he was loved and he will be missed and never forgetten i love you grandpa xoxo
Sandra Walden
July 28, 2009
Bob, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are being lifted up in prayer by many. May God grant you peace during this time of sorrow. With Deepest Sympathy, Sandra Walk-Walden and the SSHS Class of 77
July 28, 2009
Bob & family, sorry for your loss.
Linda Lloyd, Chatham
Buzzy Barton
July 28, 2009
I have good memories of Mr. Knox as a veteran umpire. God bless the Knox Family.
Sheree & Tom McKane
July 28, 2009
To the Knox family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bob was a great guy and will be missed by all that knew him.
Kevin & Shelly Lutes
July 28, 2009
To the Knox Family, We are saddened to hear of the passing of Bobby. He will be greatly missed, not only by your family, but the family he had on the field as well. He umped many, many of my games and my wife's games in highschool and summer leagues. He was always a fair and balanced ump. When he was behind the plate or on the bases, you knew that you would get a fair shake, he may have been our friend, but on the field he was always fair, although you may not agree with the call, he played no favorites. He will always be our favorite ump! May God bless Bobby Knox.
July 28, 2009
Fran, sorry to hear of Bob's passing.
We had lots of fun bowling together.
He will be missed for his dedication
to all sports in the Springfield area.
Dean Anderson
sherry&jim carmain
July 28, 2009
our thoughts & prayers are with you; love sherry&jim carmain
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