John William “Beezil” McKnight
John William “Beezil” McKnight, 91 of Hopwood, Pa. passed away Wednesday, February 2, 2011 in the Golden Living Center. He was born September 10, 1919 in Hopwood, Pa., son of the late Agnes (Cramer) McKnight. In addition to his mother, he was predeceased by an infant son Larry McKnight.
Surviving are his wife of 67 years Willie Mae Rosier McKnight; three children: Son Robert McKnight and Wife Barbara of Uniontown; Daughters: Cheryl Trump and Husband Charles of Fairchance, Pa. and Melanie Smith and Husband Michael of New Brighton, Pa.; seven Grandchildren: Tanya Hughes and husband Michael, Tammy Hugh and husband Christopher, Christine Takacs and husband Michael, Charles Trump and wife Shelley, Joshua Trump and wife Nikki, William Smith and Riley Smith; Great Grandchildren: Jenna, Justin and Jacob Hughes, Nathaniel and Abigail Hugh, Mason and Brody Takacs, Elizabeth and Kimberly Trump, Hannah and Meah Trump and an aunt Lois Cramer Riggin of Sebring, Ohio.
“Beezil” was a graduate of the former North Union High School, class of 1938, was a veteran of the U.S. Army, was a Staff Sargeant with the 4th Infantry Division Signal Corps. He participated in the D Day Landing at Normandy, received the Bronze Star and numerous commendations. He was retired from U.S. Steel Maple Creek Mine in 1982. He was a member of the Hopwood United Methodist Church and the AMVETS Post No. 103 Hopwood.
Friends will be received in the DONALD R. CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME, Hopwood on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Monday from 10 to 11 a.m., the hour of the service with Rev. Randy Costolo officiating.
Interment will follow in Mt. View Cemetery.
A special thanks to the staff of Golden Living Center!
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hopwood United Methodist Church, Church Street, Hopwood, PA 15445.
AMVETS Post 103 will conduct Military Services at graveside.