L. Fred Knodel

It is with great sadness and tender gratitude that the family of Louis Frederick (Fred) Knodel announce his passing on February 22, 2023 at the age of 88. Fred was born and grew up in Prichard, Alabama with his siblings, older sister Joanne, younger brothers Ronald, Shelby, and Lindsey, and his younger sisters Carol and Jayne. He was a graduate of Vigor Highschool and in 1965, he moved his wife and then three children to Pensacola, Florida where he has remained since.

Fred was born on November 23, 1934 to Henry and Violet Knodel. When he was nineteen years old, he began construction on a house for himself and his future bride Claudette Campbell. He constructed the house himself with the help of his father, Henry Knodel, and his future father-in-law, Jesse Campbell. It took him two years to complete. On November 4, 1955, he and Claudette were married and began residing in the home Fred had lovingly built with his own hands. Fred and Claudette went on to have four children Janet Pennewell, Karen Martin, Freddy Knodel, Jr., and Clayton Knodel.

Fred spent his career as a home builder working for a variety of companies such as Jim Walter Corporation and S. S. Steele Homes until owning his own home building companies. Fred was also an active member of the Pensacola Civitan Club. As a member, he spearheaded the construction of 470 ramps. These ramps were built at the residences of those with physical challenges that hindered their ability to enter or leave their own homes. He was responsible for the design of these ramps as well as preparing the materials for their construction. He often referred to this work as his “mission in life”.

As an adult, Fred was baptized at the Brownsville Baptist Church where he enjoyed years of service on a variety of committees and became a deacon of the church. He later became a member of Olive Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School Director and later a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church where he faithfully attended worship.

Fred will be remembered as a loving husband and father committed to the well-being of his family and devoted to the service of his community. He is survived by his four children, his daughter, Janet, and her husband, Dean Pennewell, his daughter, Karen, and her husband, Andy Martin, his son, Freddy, Jr. and his wife, Debi Knodel, and his son, Clayton, nine grandchildren and their spouses, and seventeen great-grandchildren who all brought him great joy throughout his life. In his later years and after the passing of his beloved wife, Fred also enjoyed the friendship and company of Betty Bratcher. She was very dear to him and he always looked forward to his visits with her. Even as his life slowly slipped away, he enjoyed family photos and sharing memories and was ready with a smile for all who visited.

Fred is predeceased by his wife, Claudette, his sister Joanne Prichard, his sister Carol Deshler, his brother Ronald Knodel, his sister-in-law Linda Campbell, his brother-in-law Claude Campbell, and his sister-in-law Jo Ann Reich.

A visitation for Fred will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 10:00am to 11:00am at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, 1985 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 32534. Following the visitation will be a funeral service with committal prayer from 11:00am to 12:00 pm also at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home.