Charles L. Knapp

Charles L. Knapp, 88, of Meredosia, passed away at 4:45 a.m. on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at St. John's Hospice. Charles was born June 24, 1924 in Winchester, the son of William T. and Pansy Melvina Inman Knapp. He married Mary Chaudoin on September 15, 1948; she preceded him in death on September 1, 2010. Charles proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was employed by Fiat-Allis for over 32 years. Charles was a member of United Autoworkers Local 1027. He was known to his friends and family for being very kind-hearted. He enjoyed fishing, baseball, and bowling. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Pearl; brother, Thomas Augustus; and grandson, Steven Knapp. He is survived by his sons, David (wife, Paula) Knapp of Jasper, IN and Steven (wife, Chrissy) Knapp of Chatham; his two daughters, Veda (husband, Bob) Vaughn of Chatham and Lynda (husband, Kenny) Wardlow of Springfield; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; five siblings, Bill (wife, Wilma) Knapp of Meredosia, Jim (wife, Wilma) Knapp of Jacksonville, Margaret (husband, Norman) Witherbee of Oregon, Joan (husband, Harold) Carriger of Jacksonville, and Gene (wife, Erma) Knapp of White Hall; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 30, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. An additional visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Youngblood Baptist Church in Nortonville, IL on Monday, December 31, 2012. Funeral Ceremony: 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 31, 2012 at Youngblood Baptist Church, 2449 Nortonville Rd., Nortonville, IL. Burial to follow at Youngblood Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: ASPCA, 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10128; AMVETS Department of Illinois, 2200 South 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703; or a charity of the donor's choice.