George W. Knox

George W. Knox, Ph.D. age 99, passed away on October 2, 2010 at EMERITUS at Chestnut Hill assisted living facility in Gahanna. Born in St. Louis, MO to parents, Emma (Brown) Knox and George Platt Knox on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1911. Dr. Knox was the oldest practicing Psychologist in the state of Ohio. He was a retired Optometrist and served for 15 years as a Professor in the Optometric Dept. of The Ohio State University. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Lorena E. (Morris) Knox, and by his daughter, Lorena D. Michael. His survivors include his children, Sharren (Jimmy) Rathburn, Kathleen (Laird) Lee and William (Lisa) Knox; his grandchildren, James Rathburn, Kenneth (Lisa) Rathburn, Jeffrey (Kellie) Lee, Andrew and David Michael; his great-grandchildren, Abigail and Owen Rathburn, and Kaitlyn and Hayden Lee; and his nieces, Marilyn (Bill) Porter, Nancy (Ron) Koproski and Carol (Marty) Michalisko. Many thanks go to his special friends who were so very loving and supportive during his illness, Dorothy Euler, Gabe Reiter, Steve and Debbie (Duncan) Hankison and Pastor Ron Lokhorst. George grew up in Granville, Ohio as a member of the First Baptist Church. He was married and raised his children in the Bexley Methodist Church and for the past 20 years was a member of the Mifflin Presbyterian Church. He was a class of 1933 graduate of Denison University and 2003 recipient of their Alumni Citation award. He earned multiple degrees from The Ohio State University in Psychology and Optometry. He served his country during World War II in the Navy Medical Service Corps earning the rank of Lieutenant Commander. George suffered a heart attack in his 50s and began a running passion that lasted his whole life. He ran his last race when he turned 86 years old. He competed in many charity marathons and set world records in senior track meets. He was a founding member of the Columbus Roadrunner Club. He was a long time participant in the Cystic Fibrosis stair climb and many events for the Heart Association. Some of his favorite awards were a silver bowl from Sports Illustrated Magazine and a bronze running shoe presented by former Governor Jim Rhoads. In his later years he spoke to senior citizens about remaining active by regular exercise, healthful eating and relaxation techniques. A memorial gathering of family and friends to celebrate George’s life will be on Sunday, October 10th at 3PM in the chapel at EMERITUS at Chestnut Hill, 5055 Thompson Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. A private graveside service will be held for the family only. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Senior Independence HOSPICE at 6555 Busch Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43229.