Gilbert Knupp

ANNA, Ill. -- Gilbert Harrell Knupp, 95, of Anna died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, at Union County Hospital.

He was born April 21, 1912, in Anna, son of John J. and Bertha Wiggs Knupp. He and Nellie Louise Wilkins were married Aug. 26, 1948, in Cobden, Ill.

Knupp was a 1931 graduate of Anna-Jonesboro Community High School. He was employed by Kroger Co. 20 years. He owned and operated Knupp's Food Center for three years and was employed by the state of Illinois as a supervising meat inspector in Southern Illinois. He was a director at First National Bank of Jonesboro, Ill., from 1981 to 2003.

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, life member and past commander of Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455 in Anna, member of Jonesboro Masonic Lodge 111 AF&AM, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Lodge Council Consistory, Valley of Southern Illinois, Belleville, Ill., AINAD Temple, AAONMS of East St. Louis and Oasis Shrine Club.

Knupp served in the U.S. Army from March 1941 to September 1945 and participated in the campaigns of Luzon, Southern Philippines and Guadalcanal.

Survivors include his wife.

He was preceded in death by two brothers.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Masonic service will be at 6:30.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Clifford Heil officiating. Burial will be in Anna City Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 3455.