Robert “E. “Bob” Knepper, 76, entered into eternal rest at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
Born August 8, 1947, in Waynesboro, PA, Bob was the son of the late Ray B. and Eula Vernon Knepper. Prior to his battle with Parkinson’s Disease, like the “Energizer Bunny”, Bob was ebullient, witty, extremely athletic, energetic, personable and outgoing. There was never a person who met him on whom his dynamic personality didn’t leave an indelible mark.
Bob graduated from Waynesboro Area High School (WAHS) in 1965 where, in his Senior year, he was voted the “Most Outstanding Student”. He was a member of the class project and the Indian Club where he lettered in track, cross country, golf, basketball, intramurals and wrestling and despite his small stature, famously took first place in a crucial Cross-Country Run against members of Frederick High School. In later life he continued his love of sports as an avid golfer, hiker, swimmer, and gymnast. On March 11, 2009 while playing golf at Black Rock with Ed Middlekauff and Lynn Brown, Bob used a 7-iron to record his first-ever hole-in-one, acing the 145-yard 17th hole.
After high school graduation Bob enlisted in the US Navy where he served honorably as an Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) Specialist, with the Seal Team in Vietnam. Upon returning home Bob enrolled at Slippery Rock State where he graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor’s (with Teacher’s Certification) Degree in Health Education. In 1975 he obtained a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Shippensburg University.
From 1975 through 1995 Bob applied his talents as a Program Manager for the Department of Defense (DOD) in Arlington, VA where he staffed, wrote curriculum for DOD schools, trained personnel and analyzed and evaluated organizational structures.
Upon his retirement from DOD, Bob became the Director of Human Resources for the Southcentral Employment Corporation in Harrisburg, PA where he oversaw the work of 120 employees from 2001 to 2004.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ray B. Knepper, Jr. He leaves behind his soulmate Sue MacKenzie of Williamsport, MD, his sister Barbara Moats and her husband Milton of Hagerstown, a son Jonathan Knepper, a daughter Jennifer Knepper, and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, June 15, 2024 in Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, 50 S. Broad St., Waynesboro with the Rev. Mark Sandell officiating. Burial will be private in Burns Hill Cemetery, Waynesboro where military graveside honors will be conducted by Charles Nitterhouse VFW Post #1599, Chambersburg, PA.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M., Saturday, in the funeral home.
It is Bob’s wish that you please consider making a donation in his name to: The Parkinson’s Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018 (The Parkinson’s Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 13-
1866796)
