William Knapp

William Robert Knapp, Lt. Cdr. USN, RET. passed away February 12, 2013, at his home with his loving wife at his side. Even though his death came quickly, he was in his favorite chair looking out at the ocean he loved and he had time to whisper “good-bye”.

We have lost a kind, gentle, devoted family man, gentleman and military veteran.

Bill was born to Jessie Lee Brinkley and Jesse Knapp on September 16, 1918 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The family moved to California in 1921and settled in Huntington Park. Bill and his father moved to a farm near Bergman, Arkansas for two years before moving back to Huntington Park. He graduated from Huntington Park High School in 1937. Bill joined the Navy in 1939 and served 31 years rising in rank from Seaman Recruit to Lieutenant Commander. He served aboard thirteen ships and at eight shore assignments. During World War II he was leading signalman for Admiral Spruance, Commander Fifth Fleet, on flagships USS Indianapolis CA 35 and USS New Jersey BB 62 and later as Chief Signalman for RADM Blandy, Commander Amphibous Group on Flagships USS Fremont APA 44 and USS Estes AGC 12, Bill was in nine major battles during the war earning a Bronze Star medal with Combat “V”. His shipboard duty included all from deckhand to two as Commanding Officer and one as Executive Officer. Shore duties included being Head of Visual Communications in the Office of Chief Communications in Washington D.C. from 1946 through 1949 where he met and married his wife Pearl Allard. He was Officer in Charge Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, Director Navy Postal Service, Washington D.C., with his final tour as Port Services Officer at NCBC Port Hueneme. Bill received many letters of commendation and appreciation including ones from the United States Senate, The Atomic Energy Administration, NASA’s Apollo Achievement Award and a Republic of China Combined Service Force Achievement Award while serving in Taipei. Following his Navy retirement Bill went to work for the City of Ventura Housing Authority retiring as Executive Director. Upon retiring he was active in Volunteering programs with the Ventura County Commission on Nutrition Meals on Wheels program, and is a life member of Community Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary having worked at CMH for almost 20 years. Bill is also a past President of the CBC Men’s Golf Club and the Ventura County Chapter of the Retired Officers Association.

Bill and Pearl traveled extensively after he retired even though he had already seen most of the world while on the ocean. They kept going with knee and hip replacements given to them by Ventura doctors and has been in the good care of John M. Pang M.D. Cardiologist who came to Bill’s home to comfort Pearl, and Arthur Inoshita, M.D., Internist.

Bill is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 66 years. He also leaves behind two wonderful daughters, Donna and her husband Mark Taylor of Apple Valley, and Janice Knapp of Valencia; grandchildren Terry Paschal, Jesse Paschal and his wife Jennifer; great grandchildren Jayke, Christian, and Megan; neighbors and best friends Sarah and Murph Walshe who have been so good to Bill and Pearl.

The final resting place will be at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura, where Bill and Pearl have niches. Bill was a quiet, private man and had requested no formal funeral service. A private family service will be held at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park. A public memorial may be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.