Robert Allen "Bob" McKnight, 74, of Marietta, died surrounded by family Sunday, December 25, 2011 at Marietta Memorial Hospital, following a battle with cancer. He was born on March 3, 1937 in Willard, Ohio, to Clyde and Mary Claggett McKnight. Bob was a 1955 graduate of Willard High School and a 1959 graduate of Bowling Green State University, with a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Finance. He served three years of active duty with the Ohio National Guard, U.S. Army, 37th Infantry Division. Bob entered his 40 years in the banking industry as a bank examiner for the State of Ohio from 1959 to 1964. He served as a bank officer for the Farmers State Bank in New Washington, Ohio for three years, State Bank and Trust Company in Defiance, Ohio for six years, Oak Harbor State Bank in Oak Harbor, Ohio for four years and then returned to his hometown of Willard in 1977, joining the Willard United Bank as Vice President, and then was named President, C.E.O. and Director on October 1, 1982. From there he went to Piqua, Ohio and finally on to Marietta, where he retired from Peoples Bank in 2001. Bob was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Marietta, was very active in the communities he lived in, especially with United Way, Rotary Clubs, YMCA's, Hospital Boards, and youth sports organizations. He also taught at banking schools throughout his career. Bob was an avid fisherman, sports fan, and loved spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sue Adam McKnight; sons, Chris McKnight (Donna) and Drew McKnight (Julie), both of Marietta; grandson, Adam McKnight and step granddaughter, Madison Matthews of Marietta, and grandson, A.J. McKnight of Chester, Ohio; a brother, Raymond McKnight (Alice) of Circleville, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Carol Annesser of Toledo. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patricia Cunningham. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at St. Mary Catholic Church, with The Rev. Msgr. John Michael Campbell celebrating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home, with a Vigil Service being held at 3 p.m. The family would like to thank Bob's angel, Dr. Kelli Cawley, and her staff at Strecker Cancer Center, for their loving and compassionate care. Memorials may be directed to Strecker Cancer Center or to St. Mary Church Restoration Fund.
