William Arnold "Bill" Knupple

It is with heavy hearts that the family of William Arnold (Bill) Knupple, share that he has left his place on Earth to join the Angels of Heaven. Bill died peacefully on April 10th after a lengthy illness.

Born on July 28, 1935 to Joseph B. Knupple Sr and Cornelia Knupple (Beyer). Bill was the fourth child joining his brothers Joe Jr., David Earl and Bobby, all of whom pre-deceased him. Bill lived a full life, starting with his departure from Silsbee to join the US Navy December 1, 1953, serving honorably on multiple ships including the USS Howard Gilmore, USS Diamond Head, USS Picking and the USS America in Norfolk, VA where he was permanently appointed to Officer Grade. His Naval career took him around the world to places he adored including the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and San Francisco. He retired in 1977 and moved back to a final residence in Kountze. His final employment was working for FabriCon Int. where he made many
friends.

In May of 1971, Bill married the love of his life, Linda Hardesty. Together they built a beautiful life, offering shelter and love to many stray dogs and cats as well as their beloved German Shepherd, Gunner. Within the property lines, they established a large acreage of produce every summer. They grew a huge bounty of fresh vegetables which they generously shared with the local food banks.

Bill was extremely proud of the name Knupple and became an expert on the family heritage from where his great-grandparents settled, including the donation of their land for the establishment of Knupple Cemetery, forever to be the resting place for hundreds of family members through the years. He could drive anyone all over Hardin County, pointing out former house locations, Knupple School, a pile of bricks left from a home and homesteads now occupied by others. To his dying breath, he was the most passionate expert of Knupple family history.

In May of 2014, Linda left us and truly broke Bill’s heart. Left to cherish the many funny stories, memories and his contagious smile are his sister-in-law Bertha, six nieces- Gayle, Janey, Suzie, Cathy, Marcy and Leisa as well his two nephews Randy and David. Bill was loved by Linda’s niece Dawn as well as many cousins and dear friends from the area. Lastly, his precious cat Lovey who will miss the unconditional love Bill gave to him.

The family would like to extend thanks to his caregivers, Mike, Phillip, Nina, Jessica ad Anita.

In lieu of flowers, Bill requested that you make a donation to the ASPCA, or to a local animal shelter or to please adopt and make a home for a shelter dog or cat.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Arnold "Bill" Knupple, please visit our floral store.