Robert J. Knapp, Sr.

Robert J. Knapp, Sr., 63, of Meadville, died Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at Meadville Medical Center following an extended illness.

He was born in Franklin May 12, 1946, a son of Robert and Anna Mae McFarland Knapp.  He married Marlene Thornton February 15, 1969.

He was a 1964 graduate of Townville High School, attended Edinboro University, and was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, serving from 1965 to 1968.  He worked as a logger and had been employed by Ohio Hardwood, Mailliard Lumber Company, James Whitman Logging Company, Hollabaugh Logging Company, Mowris Tree Service and self-employed.  He additionally worked at McNamara Farms.

He was of the Protestant faith.

He was a member of the Charles Stafford American Legion Post 111, Meadville, Vernon Volunteer Fire Dept., and Saegertown American Legion Post 205.  He enjoyed hunting and reading.

Survivors, in addition to his wife Marlene of 40 years, include 6 children, Jeffrey Thornton and his companion Stephanie Wills of Meadville, Robert (Jamie) Knapp, Jr. and his wife Christine of Galena, OH, Jodie Lynne Knapp and her companion Jerry Wilson of Starke, FL, Joseph Paul Knapp and his companion Carla Chase of Meadville, Jenny Lee Kightlinger and her husband Edward of Meadville, and Marty Jo (Liz) Knapp and her companion Chris Sprenkle of Guys Mills; his mother, Anna Mae Knapp of Meadville; 7 grandchildren, Atatlanta Jade (A.J.) Vardarmoskas, Martin Thornton, Mitchell, Cassidy, and Joshua Knapp, Tyler Beish, and Hannah Kightlinger; a brother, Charles Knapp and his wife Penny of Naples, FL; 4 sisters, Karen Carter and her husband Steve of Eldorado, OK, Sheri Kightlinger and her husband Mark of Meadville, Judy Granda and her husband Don of Meadville, and Donna Granda of Tavares, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.  In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Dianna Lynn Knapp.

Calling hours will be Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville with an American Legion Service at 6:45 p.m.

A funeral and committal service will be Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Philip Torre, Pastor of First Assembly of God Church officiating and military honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2006, Meadville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335.