Richard Allen Knopf

RICHARD ALLEN KNOPF “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 A Time To Be Born Richard Allen Knopf was born in Pittsburgh, PA on December 12, 1938, the first child of John Anthony Knopf and Marjorie Louise (Stewart) Knopf A Time To Plant Dick graduated from Wilkinsburg High School in Pennsylvania, and after receiving an electrical engineering degree, worked with an architectural firm in Eastlake, Ohio then moving to Mentor to begin his career in the fire service; teaching, writing, mentoring, leading for the next 55 years in Ohio, Michigan and Texas. His book, A Fire Chief’s Checklist, is in its third printing and is distributed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. He was active in IAFC for many years and served on committees with the Texas Fire Chiefs Association and many local service organizations. A Time To Love Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Cindy (Groff) Knopf and was blessed with a son, Carl. His marriage to Linda Vendeland (Jack) of Sarasota, FL was also blessed with three children, Simon, Karen and Cindy. He married Jean Bowen Fall Knopf in 1991 and welcomed her four children, Courtney, Erica, Megan and Clint Fall. A Time To Find Dick’s Christian faith began at home and was strengthened in the past 40 years with ministries in the Red Oak Church of Christ, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) for over 20 years as Children’s Leader and weekly studies at the Red Oak and Millbrook Rehabilitation Centers. A Time To Reap Dick retired from the Lancaster Fire Department in 2011, devoting over 50 years of sevice. A Time To Die Richard Allen Knopf departed this life August 9, 2014 resting peacefully with Jean by his side. He had been healed from cancer in 2012 for which he gave glory to God in his book, An Incredible Journey. When cancer returned, he considered his life a win-win, either be cured again or go to heaven to be with the Father. A Time To Rejoice Dick leaves many family members who cherish him, his wife, Jean; his children and grandchildren: Carl and Stacey Knopf of Flower Mound, TX and their children, David, Mitchell and Lauren; Courtney Fall of Dallas, TX; Jason and Erica Fall Burleson of Summertown, TN and their children, Grant, Gavin, Grayson and Gage Cooper; Daniel and Megan Fall Whitworth of Irving, TX and their children, Silas, Will and Maggie; and Clint and Amanda Fall of The Colony, TX and their son Evan, awaiting the August birth of Emma Monta; Simon and Cheryl Knopf of Saunderstown, RI, Karen McIntire (Steve Rolik) and her children Morgan, Brandi, Summer and Owen McIntire; Cindy (Darin)Blood and their children Darin Jr, Beau and Monica and one great-grandchild, Carter Blood., of Mentor Ohio. He is also survived by his loving sister, Nancy Knopf of Vermilion, Ohio and brother, Robert and Becky Knopf of Woodland, Washington and their daughter, Heather and her husband, Mike of Carefree, AZ. He and Jean were blessed with her family of three brothers and their wives, Tim and Barbara Bowen, Huntsville, AR; Wayne and LaRinda Bowen, Irving, TX, Steven and Marilyn Bowen, Red Oak, TX and many, many nephews, nieces and cousins from both their families. The Lord is good, a refuge in the time of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.”Nahum 1:7

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Richard Allen Knopf

December 12, 1938 - August 9, 2014