Robert "Bob" E Knupp

Bob was born October 23, 1937 in Oakland, California. Bob was a graduate of Stivers High School in Dayton, Ohio. He held an Associates degree from Tri State University in mechanical engineering. He briefly worked as a mechanical engineer before enlisting in the Air Force International Guard where he served as a prop mechanic.

While on reserves he started working with his father, James Dwight Knupp, at Belmont Billiards in Dayton, Ohio. He inherited the business in the early 1970s and then remodeled to double it’s size. He ran Belmont Billiards until his retirement, working on the Belmont Business Association and was instrumental in starting the Belmont carnival.

Bob married his wife, Karen, April 11, 1964. His son, Dwight “Curt” was born May 16, 1968.

Throughout his life he was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing trips to Lake Eerie with his friends. He would often return to have “Fish Fry Nights” at Belmont Billiards, serving up some of the best “all you could eat” Walleye and Perch.

Bob was a member of the Optimist Club International and held various positions in the group, benefiting the youth of Beavercreek and Dayton, Ohio.

Upon retirement, always having been a history buff, he worked as an interpreter at the Carillon Historic Park and the Packard Museum. He had a soft spot for the Packard Museum, for his Grandfather had once owned a dealership. Bob also enjoyed the history of the Wright Brothers and he played The Bishop Wright in the movie “Wright Brothers On Great White Wings” by the National Park Service for the Carillon Park’s historical celebration “Time Flies”. Bob also played the Bishop Wright for Woodland Cemetery tours.

Golfing was another passion and hobby for Bob throughout his life. He took many a golf trip with friends over the years to play various courses.

In the last years of retirement, he held a part time job working the Golf pro shop and course at the Sugarvalley Country Club, and then volunteered as a starter on the Beavercreek Golf Course as well.

Bob was always a very positive and happy soul and very much enjoyed socializing and making friends throughout the years.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, James and Frances Knupp and sister, Carol Odgers.

He is survived by his wife Karen, their son, Dwight “Curt”, Curt's husband Dan Prather, his nephew, Brett Odgers and niece, Laura Odgers.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or not-for-profit.

Bob will be laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery, Xenia, Ohio.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tobias-fh.com for the Knupp family.