Frank Roy Knapp

Frank Roy Knapp was born December 12, 1927 in Torrance, CA to his parents Roscoe Knapp and Margaret Quinlan Knapp. He died peacefully at home in Winton, CA surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, February 5, 2015.

Roy was independent at a very young age. At six years old he would sell magazines and newspapers in Los Angeles. Roy would go into the bars and men would not only buy his newspapers, but would also set him on a barstool and buy him a hotdog and a soda. Roy graduated from Chowchilla High School and Merced College. After high school graduation he joined the United States Navy in November 1945 serving two years as a Radar man. Roy was stationed in San Diego, Florida, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Kansas. After serving in the Navy, he returned to Chowchilla and resumed farming. On September 29, 1951 he married Wanda Lee Mahy in Snelling, CA and they made their first home in Merced, CA. Roy was a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His sense of humor was next to none, he always made time for his family, friends and friends of family. When asked or at times without being asked, he would offer advice, opinions or insight—it was always done in a loving caring way.

In 1952, Roy went to work for the Merced City Fire Department. Over the course of thirty years, he worked his way through the ranks. He retired with the rank of Assistant Chief.He was also a long-time member of the Elks Lodge. Roy was always a willing participant and helped at many fundraisers for his grandchildren. Roy retired in 1982 after he bought a small almond ranch in Atwater, sight unseen. His wife Wanda, found and negotiated the purchase of the ranch, and when Roy was asked by the Real Estate agent if he wanted to see it, he said "if Wanda likes it and is willing to live out in the country, that's good enough for me" And he signed on the dotted line.

Roy was preceded in death by his wife Wanda, his parents, his brother Roscoe Knapp, his sisters Alice Halpin and Margaret Vallery. Roy is survived by Sons F. Kurtis Knapp (Diane), Jeff Knapp (Tina) and daughter Vicky Pullen (Gregg); and by his loving grandchildren Koven Knapp, Kasey Knapp Robinson (Chris), Timothy Knapp (Casey), Thomas Knapp (Chelsea), Jennifer Bodine (Andrew), Tammy Silva, Hillary Vellandi (Christian), Steven Pullen, Krystal Silva-Tuttle, Mike Silva, Nathan Silva and Tiffany Silva. And by his eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service for F. Roy Knapp will be held February 13, 2015 at Stratford and Evans Memorial Funeral Chapel. Viewing will be from 12-1, with services starting at 1:00. The Memorial reception, immediately following in Winton, CA. Donations can be made to Hinds Hospice of Merced, CA.