Robert Darrell Knapp Sr.

Robert Darrell Knapp, Sr., aged 92 of Aurora, CO went to join his beloved wife of 62 years in heaven on April 17, 2023. He is survived by his children: Charlene Banke, Sandy Morgan, Bob Knapp, Mary White, Ina Knapp, Grace Cotton, and Roberta Russom. He was preceded in death by his cherished son, David Shawn Knapp and his cherished grandson, Steven Corcilius. Bob loved his daughter-in-law Lori and his sons-in-law Don, Fred, David and Matt. He loved them all so very much and considered them his kids.

Bob was born in Marion, Iowa on September 11, 1930, to Arthur and Vera Knapp. He joined the Air Force when he was 20, he was stationed at Lowry AFB in Aurora, CO. One Saturday night he went to the Lowry Airmen's Club and met the love of his life, Bobbie Brinkmeyer. They danced all night. In two short weeks they decided they had to be together for the rest of their lives. They were married on November 19, 1950, for 62 wonderful years. Daddy said he swept her off her feet because he was so handsome in his uniform. And we all believe this is true! Their legacy is their eight children, 22 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. When the whole family gets together on holidays or for pictures there are over 55 people. Daddy always laughed and said, "Look at what two people in love created."

When Bob was a young man his aunt and uncle owned a carnival that travelled all over the country. He worked as a roustabout and operated rides and games. This is where he developed his love for carnivals. He also worked at Lakeside Amusement Park where he loved to ride the train, bumper cars and roller coaster. It made him so happy, and he loved to watch all the young kids enjoying the same rides we all love. The last time he was there he was 91 and still out bumped us on the bumper cars.

Bob was not a religious man, but he believed in God and Heaven. He lived his religion every day by always being kind, caring and understanding. He raised his kids to love, respect and cherish each other. He taught us that it matters not what you own or how much money you have. What matters in life is family and love. There was always laughter and teasing throughout our lives. We would go fishing almost every Sunday even in winter, so our church was the lakes, trees, wildlife and just enjoying the beauty of being outdoors as a family.

Bob had a zest for life and enjoyed camping, fishing and travelling. He and Bobbie went on multiple cruises, trips to Australia, Hawaii, Alaska, Cabo, Cancun and every State West of the Mississippi. While in Hawaii the last time they didn't let their young age of 85 stop them from parasailing.

Bob enjoyed gambling and loved to go to Laughlin, NV which sits on the Colorado River. The first thing he would say when we got there was "Look at that beautiful river." In the same trip we would travel the old Route 66 to Oatman, AZ. He loved to go down there to feed the wild donkeys that run wild in the beautiful desert. He also looked forward to his weekly trip to Blackhawk, CO. He would take the bus up every Monday. He would save his gambling change all year to use for his yearly trip to Iowa to camp, fish, swim and laugh with all his nieces and nephews. He loved them all so much.

Bob saw beauty in everything. He loved to watch for wildlife and was so excited when he got lucky enough to see any. He loved to go to the Rocky Mountain arsenal on Fridays with his cohort daughter, Mary. Together they would spend a couple of hours just looking for buffalo, deer, Bald Eagles and lots of other wildlife. Mary called him her "co-pilot" and together they would watch for wildlife and airplane vapor trails in the sky.

Bob was loved so dearly and brought so much happiness to the many hearts he touched. He was a blessing and God's gift to all of us. He was truly our hero and a fierce defender. Everyone knew that no one messed with any of his girls!! His family was blessed to have him for 92 years but even that is not enough. We would have loved to have him for 92 more!!!





Robert's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.