Robert L. Knight

ROSSVILLE- Robert L. Bob Knight, 80, of Rossville, Ill, formerly of the Indianola-Georgetown area, passed away at 7:15pm on Friday, September 8, 2006 at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Mr. Knight was born at home in rural Georgetown on May 6, 1926, a son of Dale and Joy Willison Knight. Both of Bobs parents precede him in death. He married Ruth on November 12, 1948. She survives. Other Survivors include three daughters, Cindy (Ron) Masengale of Rossville, Susan (Rick) Green of Rossville, and Donna (Bruce) Lackey of Danville. Bob will also be missed by his grandchildren, Bob (Jennifer) Todd of Catlin, Lisa (Justin) Acton of Collison, Ill, and Mark and Matt Green of Rossville. Also, surviving are two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Connor Todd of Catlin. Mr. Knight was also survived by one sister, Mary Joan Williams of Tuscola, Ill. His two brothers, Glen Dale and Franklin Knight precede Bob in death. Bob was a graduate of the University of Illinois in agricultural engineering, but after graduation, he returned to the family farm where he raised crops and operated a dairy farm for many years. After selling the dairy, Bob became an educator at Harrison Grade School and later at Ridge Farm High School. He finished out his career at Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School. Being an avid lover of sports, he coached many boys and girls basketball teams. He really enjoyed looking at old yearbooks and remembering his students and events. Bob served his country during World War II as a paratrooper. He was deployed in Europe during the war as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He was a member of the Rossville American Legion Post 733, serving on their honor guard. He was very proud of working with others in the completion of the new War Memorial in Rossville. Bob was a devoted fan of all sports, especially the Illini basketball teams and the Chicago Cubs. He followed his girls and grandchildren in any competitions in which they participated. Bob enjoyed many activities after his retirement. He loved working and being active- especially in his garden and doing things for his daughters. He tutored at Rossville Grade School, where he tried to impart his love of math. He also spent many hours researching his family history. He enjoyed reading and exploring the Battle of the Bulge and anything to do with the European theatre. Bob never missed many mornings of coffee time with his friends or going to the shed. When he left, he would always say, See you, later. He belonged to the Vermilion County Retired Teachers Organization and the Vermilion County War Museum. He had served on the Indianola school board, as a trustee on the Woodlawn Cemetery Board, and a treasurer for the Indianola United Methodist Church, and volunteered at Sunday services at the VA in Danville. A celebration of the life of Mr. Robert Knight has been scheduled for 1:00pm on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at Sunsets Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home located at 200 E. West St. in Georgetown. Rev. Ed Logan will officiate. Final resting place will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. Visitation will be held between 4-7pm on Monday, September 11, 2006 at the funeral home. Memorials in Bobs honor may be made to the Indianola Woodlawn Cemetery Tree Fund, the Indianola United Methodist Church or to an organization of the donors choice.