D.W. “Bill” Knebel, age 93, passed from this life on May 17, 2018, in Denton, TX.. He was born to Lillian Polasek and William Knebel in El Campo, Texas, on November 21, 1924. Bill graduated from El Campo High School in 1942. He attended Texas A & M University as a member of the Corps of Cadets, and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. His education at Texas A & M was interrupted while he served in the US Navy during WWII. After graduation in 1948, Bill relocated to San Antonio, where he met his wife, Patricia Day. They recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on April 22nd. In 1953, Bill and Pat moved to Victoria, where Bill started and ran his own air conditioning business. Twenty years later, Bill pursued a 2nd career in real estate development with his wife, until they retired in December of 2004. Bill was a member of the Kiwanis, the Victoria A & M Club, and the American Legion. He was also a charter member of the Victoria Czech Heritage Society, which he helped organize. Bill enjoyed fishing, many travels with Pat, attending Aggie reunions and musters, extensive genealogy research, helping others, and exchanging e-mails with friends. In 2015, Bill and his wife relocated to Denton, Texas, to live near their daughter and grandchildren. Bill is survived by his wife, Pat, daughter, Robin White, and husband, Doug, of Lewisville, granddaughters Rochelle Johnston and husband, David, of The Colony, Christine Black and husband, Kris, of Frisco, and Jessica Bailey of Dallas; also two sisters-in-law, Wilma Warner and Barbara Boyle of San Antonio, 4 great grandchildren, with 2 more expected soon, and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 11a.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2018, at St. Andrews Cemetery in Hillje, Texas. Memorials may be sent to Texas A & M to benefit scholarship funds for students in the Corps of Cadets. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
