Richard P. Knotts: 1939 - 2008
Richard P. Knotts, 68, a former resident of rural Churubusco in Allen County and more recently a resident of Harlan, was surrounded by his loving family when he left for Heaven on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 11:24 a. m. at his residence. He had been valiantly fighting cancer since November.
Mr. Knotts was born on November 26, 1939 in Wabash, a son of Ralph and Dorothy (Black) Knotts. He spent his formative years there and graduated from Wabash High School in 1958. As a young man he served in Germany with the U. S. Army, and was married in Wabash on November 21, 1965 to Jeannine Durnbaugh.
The couple moved to Allen County in 1966, and lived in Eel River Township near Churubusco for 20 years. Following his retirement, they lived in Florida for a period before returning to Allen County and moving to Harlan in 2004.
He was employed at CSR Masolite in For Wayne for over 37 years, retired as their sales manager of the concrete block division in 2004, and was well-known by architects throughout northeast Indiana for his knowledge of concrete masonry products.
A member of the Churubusco United Methodist Church, he was a member of the National Concrete Masonry Association, was past president of Indiana Concrete Masonry Association, past treasurer of the Fort Wayne Chapter of Concrete Specifier Institute, and was a member of the program committee of the Building Contractor’s Association. He was also a former member of the Fort Wayne Southside Optimist Club.
After returning to Indiana, he owned and operated Rich’s Rides, a transportation service for the Amish community. A lover of bird watching and all of nature, he enjoyed golf, had a wonderful sense of humor, and never met a stranger. Most importantly, he was a loving and supportive husband and father.
The surviving relatives include his wife Jeannine; his daughters Molly Rennaker of Harlan, and Meegan (Mark) Siegwarth and Dinah (Michael) Keeterle, both of Fort Wayne; a brother Michael (Lindal) Knotts of Clermont, Fla; a sister Sandra Black Haneline of Indianapolis; three grandchildren Donovan Rennaker, Lauren Siegwarth, and Ryan Siegwarth; and two step-grandchildren Shane Keeterle and Sarah Keeterle.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Phyllis Lombard.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. on Wednesday, March 12, at the Churubusco United Methodist Church with Pastors Christine Newman-Jacobs and Lamar Imes, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Tuesday from 2 to 8 p. m., or at the church one hour prior to the service.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Churubusco United Methodist Church, 750 N. Main Street, Churubusco, IN 46723; or to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
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To leave a condolence for Mr. Knott’s family, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
March 8th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I am so sorry to read where Dick has passed away. I remember growing up on the south side of Wabash with Dick and his family. Very nice family and I know he will be missed. I saw Dick briefly at an Emmas walk, when a group from Wabash went to the saturday candle light service and what a plesant surprise to see Dick when he was on his walk. I know he is now walking with God and in a better place. My codolence to his family.
Sharon Jones
March 8th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Jeanine & Family, I am so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. Anne, of course, sent us the note first before I read it in the Plain Dealer. PLease know that you are in our prayers now, and will be through the coming days and weeks. I always like to think of a Christians’ passing as their “graduation” from this life to Heaven, where I know he is rejoicing with our Lord. I also am sure that God will wrap0 His loving arms around you all and be your comfort in the days ahead. Love and prayers, Betty & Randy
March 8th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Dear Jeannine & family,
I was so sorry to read in the paper that Dick had passed away. I haven’t spoke to Joyce for sometime, I didn’t know he had been ill. May your faith in our precious Lord Jesus Christ lift you in this time of sorrow. I have fond memories of Dick back in our high school days, he was a super guy.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love
leaves a memory no one can steal.”
March 9th, 2008 at 12:41 am
growing up in wabash i met mr. knotts as the hamilton s and the elzroth kids ran though his yard chasing each other… what a nice nice neighbor to grow up with .with his everyday smile and since of humor… later i met him again as i worked for a area lumberyard .his knowledge and customer service were truely appeciated… and he still had that smile and since of humor…..i glad to say i met and knew mr dick knotts
March 9th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Dear Jeannine & family,
I was so sorry to read in the paper that Dick had
passed away. I haven’t spoken to Joyce for sometime, I didn’t know he had been ill. May your faith in our precious Lord Jesus Christ lift you in this time of sorrow. I have fond memories of Dick back in our high school days, he was a super guy.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
March 9th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
We were so sorry to hear of Dicks passing. It has been a while since we talked, did not know he was sick. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We have known both Jeannine and Dick for more years than we care to remember. Keep the memories close to your heart.
March 9th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Jeannine, Molly, Meegan, and Dinah,
Nathan told us that Dick had passed away, we are sorry we didn’t know. Charlie remembers fond memories of sitting around the kitchen table and hearing all the jokes and stories he used to tell. He had a great sense of humor. Wish Cheri had a chance to get to know him better. Think of you always even though we aren’t technically family anymore, we still are. If there is something we can do, please let us know. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Meegan & Family -
We were so sad to read of your Dad’s passing in today’s paper. Our hearts go out to you and our prayers are with you. We’ll pray for strength as you face the days ahead and that you’ll experience the peace of God that passes all understanding. Love,
Laurie & Miranda
March 10th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Mike & Dinah,
We were very sad to hear of Dinah’s father’s passing. It has been a long and courageous battle for all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today as they have been over these last few months and will continue to be in the months to come. May God heal your hearts in his speed. May your heavenly Father bring peace and joy to your earthly one.
March 10th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Dearest Meegan and family,
I am so sorry your dad has left this life with us and taken with him his fatastic sense of humor, precious smiles and that caring way of his. I will always remember your dad as a warm, loving, and humerous man and one who more than once caved into the whims of two little girls separated by a many miles. While I can’t be there in body, my love and prayers are with you this week and in the time to come.
I pray you all find some peace,
Love Jennifer Worster Harper
March 11th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Dear Molly and Family;
I can’t imagine how you are feeling right now, but I hope you had some wonderful moments with him before he passed on to his Savior in Heaven. I wish we could be there in body but will be there with you in spirit.
May God comfort you in this time of grief.
Love Stephanie Worster Sainsbury
March 11th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I will continue to lift your family in my daily prayers. It was a great honor to have served your family as a hospice chaplain during this difficult time in your lives. I shall always remember the love and decication you gave Dick during his illness. Your love for Dick was very touching and gift from God. May God Bless you and comfort you during this sad time in your lives. Blessings, Chaplain Mike Smith
March 12th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Jeannine, Molly, Meegan and Dinah,
A wonderful husband and father and grandfather he was to you and your family. His special time on earth will be remembered by so many wonderful friends and family. Memories are the greatest thing to have and yours will be many and special, that’s for sure. May God’s blessings be with you at this time and all the prayers from everyone, help you at this time. You are a beautiful, loving, caring family and hope you use this for the strength of others.
Bob and Sarah Menefee
March 12th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Jeannine, Molly, Meegan & Dinah -
We wanted you all to know that you are in our prayers. Dick was always so kind to Shane and I. The times we spent with him was full of laughs…
When we knew him, we knew him to enjoy life. He was gracious and compassionate and I know that he loved the Lord. I know it will be a great reunion for you all in Heaven some day.