Robert Knupp

McCLURE, Ill. -- Robert E. "Doc" Knupp, 80, of McClure passed away Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born July 22, 1930, in St. Louis, son of Arlie E. and Gladys A. Dollman Knupp. He was a member of Jonesboro Masonic Lodge 111.

Robert graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1947 and played minor league baseball until joining the U.S. Air Force in 1950, serving three years overseas duty.

He traveled extensively throughout the United States in his early years, but always returned to his beloved home in McClure, and resided there the last 42 years of his life.

Robert was employed by the Illinois Department of Transportation as an Alexander County supervisor more than 22 years. He retired in 1991 to pursue his new career as a sport fisherman, and his research was focused primarily on Wolf Lake and Cedar Lake, where he became renowned as a local expert.

Survivors include a sister, Mary Ellen Wilson of Cape Girardeau; two brothers, Paul R. (Shirley) Knupp of Hazelwood, Mo., Gerald W. (Ann) Knupp of Phenix City, Ala.; two nieces, seven nephews, numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, and countless lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Margaret Jo Stark; a brother, John A. Knupp and a niece, Vicki Ludwinski.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro, Ill. Masonic service will be at 11:30.

The funeral will be at noon Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Randy Morgan officiating. Burial will be in Jonesboro Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners charity.

To view this obituary or to leave online condolences, please go to www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.