Robert was born to Condie and Naomi McKnight in Ava, Missouri, on December 6, 1933. At an
early age, Robert helped run their family’s business.
He joined the U.S. Navy at 19 years old and through years of hard work and dedication
ultimately achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. During his years of service, Robert and his
beloved wife Betty welcomed four children—Terry, Kimber, Bridget, and Jeffrey. The family
spent years moving across the U.S. as Robert served his country. He served at length on several
nuclear submarines, including the H.L. Stimson, before his retirement in 1971.
After Robert’s retirement, the family settled in Illinois. He went on to work for several
companies and was known for his tireless work ethic and warm sense of humor. In 2003, Robert
and Betty found their forever home and settled in Bedford, Texas.
Robert officially retired at the age of 82, but his loved ones knew this was a mere technicality, as
Robert continued to keep his time and his mind steadfastly occupied through household projects,
passion for current world events, and unprecedented enthusiasm for deciphering the latest
technology. He is perhaps the only 90-year-old to read the manual for his iPad and laptop
cover-to-cover, text message family members his unique witticisms back within seconds, and
revel in the installation of smart appliances in his home (which he keenly controlled through his
iPhone).
Robert was savvy, social, loving, steady, and kind. He was a veteran, a Christian, and a devoted
husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed by those lucky
enough to have known him.
Robert is survived by his wife of 70 years, Betty, and their children: Terry McKnight, Kimber
(William) Sunday, Bridget (Jerry) Barnes, and Jeffrey (Rhetta) McKnight. He is survived by his
11 grandchildren: Nathan (Desiree) McKnight, Sally (Gaston) Donoso, Kelly (Andy) Johnson,
Ryan (Amanda) Sunday, Chad (Cayla) Sunday, Daniel (Claudia) Sunday, Allison (Brad) David,
Nicholas (Brittany) Barnes, Sydney (Ricky) Matsko, Dylan (Megan) McKnight, and Jacob
(Jessica) McKnight. He is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren. Robert is preceded in death
by his parents, sister Doris, daughter-in-law Janis, grandson Jay, and great-grandson Jonah.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Fisher House Foundation.
The visitation for Robert L. McKnight will be held at 10 a.m. with memorial service to follow at
11 a.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, at J.E. Foust & Son, 523 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051.
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