Robert Joseph Knapik

Robert Joseph Knapik, age 89, of Marble Falls, formerly of Lott, Texas, died on Dec. 7, 2013, at home. He was born near the Falls of the Brazos in Falls County, Texas, to John and Lillian Knapik on August 7, 1924.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years during World War II, 1942-46, participating in the Pacific with the 22nd Marine Regiment and the Sixth Marine Division in landings in the Marshall Islands on Eniwetok, Parry and Engebi, and on Guam.

Knapik was a graduate of Lott High School and held bachelors and masters degrees in biology from Southwest Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos. He taught science in Schulenburg High School, 1951-1966, and in Uvalde High School, 1966-1968. He did further study in botany at the University of Texas in Austin and at Texas Tech in Lubbock. Later he was employed as a counselor and as an administrator in the Uvalde school district until his retirement in 1989.

He met Jane Alexander in San Marcos, and they married in Uvalde in 1952.

After living in Uvalde for 32 years, they moved to Marble Falls in 1998, where they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on August 23, 2013. They frequently were honored with visits from their former students.

He is survived by his wife Jane Knapik of Marble Falls; brothers Frank Friudenberg of Marlin and Fred Friudenberg of Lake Jackson; and sisters Perna Reaves, Rosenberg; Mary Lee Dunson, Jacksonville; Wanda Martinez, Marble Falls; and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28, at the Baptist Church in Lott, Texas, located on US Hwy 77, 26 miles southeast of Waco.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Friends of the Marble Falls Library, 101 Main, Marble Falls, TX, 78654.