Joseph Edward Knapp

Joe was born on 7/4/14 in Dorranceton, PA to Karl Knapp and Marjorie Lindsay Knapp, their only child. His father died when he was two years old and his uncle became his guardian. At age 8 he entered Girard College, a home for fatherless boys. He graduated in January 1932 and immediately went to work in a print shop. He attended Drexel University and later transferred to Temple University in the Teacher's program. He earned his varsity letter in soccer as a goalie. Joe wrote articles for the local newspapers on drum & bugle corps in his spare time. He entered the Army in 1941, was assigned to Officer Candidate School in Feb. 1942, commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in May, 1942, promoted to 1st Lt. in Oct. 1942 and was promoted to Captain upon graduation from OCS. He arrived in Europe in Feb 1945 with the 20th Armored Division and was discharged to the Reserves in Dec. 1945.

Joe married his beloved Ruthie August 29, l942. After she graduated from Temple in 1943, they lived together in Camp Campbell, KY where he was stationed training artillery gunners. In 1944 daughter Marjorie was born. After his return, the family moved to northeast Philadelphia where daughters JoAnne and Ruth Ellen were born. Ruthie was upset that there were no sons, but Joe told her "four roses make a lovely bouquet."

Joe was an active member of the community wherever he lived. In Philadelphia, he served as a Post Commander and County Council member in the VFW, and was a member of the American Legion. He sang with the church choir at St. James Lutheran Church. As a Girl Scout, he was Neighborhood Chairman, Neighborhood Cookie Chairman and was on the PR Committee for Philadelphia Girl Scout Council. He was Judge of Elections and Ruthie worked at the Polls. He was also active with Drum & Bugle Corps serving as Director of Liberty Bell Cadets and business manager of Bracken Cavaliers, Norwood 507th Hornets and the Crossmen. In Florida he was President of the Lakeland Chapter of the Mobile Home Owners Assoc. and a member of Rotary. He also sang in the choir at Grace Lutheran Church. When he moved to Texas he was in his mid 80's but he continued his community involvement. He was a member of the Friends of the RR Library, Rotary, VFW, and the American Legion. He sang in the Choir at Palm Valley Lutheran and when he could no longer sing continued as the Choir Librarian. He was employed by Wal-Mart and became the poster boy for the campaign to raise funds for the WWII Memorial in Washington. His picture appeared in every Wal-Mart across the country and he was also featured in a commercial. He was sent to Washington to attend the groundbreaking ceremonies and was grateful to be able to attend the Dedication. An avid baseball fan, he enjoyed his employment with the Round Rock Express where he had the added bonuses of greeting fans and seeing the team play.

He was predeceased by his beloved Ruthie and great-granddaughter, Grace Lindsay Oughton. He is survived by his daughters Marjorie Oughton, JoAnne Ringer and her husband, Brian, Ruth Ellen Baker; grandchildren Heather Spinosa and her husband Daniel, Alec Oughton and his wife, Crystal, and Roxanne Baker and boyfriend; great-grandchildren Landon, Gabriel, Lindsay, and Lilly.