David M. Knapp

David M. Knapp, 75, of Meadville, died Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at the Marquette Hospice House after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

He was born October 7, 1938 in Meadville, a son of Walter and Alice Knapp.  He married Sidney E. Wentworth McGowen April 22, 1989 and she survives.

David attended Meadville Senior High School and following high school he apprenticed as an ironworker with the then local 348 in Erie.  Throughout his long career he participated in building many schools, bridges, and other structures, many of which remain today.  He always enjoyed and appreciated working with those who took pride in their work and being affiliated with a union.

David loved the outdoors, especially in earlier years bicycling the many trails of Northwest Pennsylvania and Florida.  He and his wife were members and supporters of the French Creek Recreational Trails where he and Sidney spent many hours biking, talking, walking and enjoying the beauty of the area.  Roche Park was one of his favorite spots for walking, and he so appreciated those who cared for and preserved this beautiful park.  He was seldom seen without his wife Sidney, by his side, as they were best friends.

He was a kind, gentle man who was extremely proud of his family and he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, to whom he was known as “Pops.”  David was a man of high moral standards, and honesty was one of his finest virtues.  His children always knew they could rely on him for guidance in any area.  He was generous to those who were less fortunate and was a strong supporter of the Meadville Soup Kitchen.

In later years, David faced many medical challenges, including the above knee amputation of his right leg, resulting in the need for a prosthetic limb.  This curtailed many of his activities; however, he never lost his spirit of courage and determination.  He faced all adversity with an optimistic attitude and relied on his faith to carry him through any challenge.

Survivors, in addition to his loving wife Sidney of 25 years, include a daughter, Cynthia Knapp Raynor and her husband Barry of Laconia, NH and their son Jason; a daughter, Kimberly Knapp Goss of Battle Creek, MI and her son Adam; a daughter, Melissa Knapp Drake and her husband Barry of Meadville and their children Corey and Chad; granddaughters, Kimberly Iliff and Erin and Ashley Knapp; a stepson, Douglas McGowen and his wife Candace of Memphis, TN and their children Carrigan and Jackson; a stepdaughter, Dawn McGowen Rusak and her husband Edward of Sarver and their children Alyson and Nicholas; a great-grandson, Christian Hixenbaugh; a sister, Leah Mason of Erie; a brother, Daniel Knapp of Erie; a sister-in-law, Mary Knapp of Battle Creek, MI; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, David B. Knapp; a brother, William Knapp; and an infant sister, Helen Knapp.

Calling hour will be Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville where the funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Dave Brumagin officiating.

Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Meadville Soup Kitchen, 956 S. Main St., Roche Park, Vernon Township Secretary, 15578 McMath Ave., or the French Creek Recreational Trails, Inc., P.O. Box 592, all of Meadville, PA 16335.

At the request of the family, no fresh flowers or funeral sprays be sent but green plants are welcome.

Memories and condolences may be shared at waidfuneralhome.net.