Howard Eugene Knapp was born on October 31, 1923. He passed away on December 9, 2011. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Loren Knapp and Ethel Mae (Dorden) Knapp; brothers, Melvin, Art and Paul; sister, Gladys and son-in-law, Jack Clutter.
Howard is survived by many loving family members including his wife, Ruby; two daughters, Janis and Brenda and her husband Steve Thomas; four granddaughters, Melissa, Heather, Amy and Amber; nine great-grandchildren, one brother, Dick and sister-in-laws, Martha Smith and Helen Atkinson.
Howard was a life-long resident of Springfield. After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1946, he married the love of his life, Ruby Stewart, of Fair Grove, Mo. He then began a long career as a Springfield Firefighter, retiring as Captain.
Through their 65 year marriage, Howard and Ruby were a team together in building houses, fishing, camping, RV traveling and active members of the Springfield Gold Wing Motorcycle Club.
Daddy had a big heart and loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All our family will greatly miss his wonderful stories, his good humor and the strong love he had for us.
Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Monday, December 12, 2011 in Greenlawn Funeral Home North with burial to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.