Robert Earl Knighton

Robert Earl Knighton 79, of Hurricane, WV returned to his Heavenly Home on October 2, 2024 surrounded by his family. Bob knew the Lord at an early age. He was blessed by two loving Christian parents and extended family who loved God & taught him well. As a result, Bob testified of his faith often singing hymnals to crowds at church as he grew up. His voice became a favorite of many over the years. He was never ashamed to share his gift of song and praise Jesus. He graduated from Dunbar High School in 1962 and joined the United States Air Force right after. He served as an Airman 1st Class and was later deployed to the Vietnam War where he guarded his post very well. When he returned from Vietnam, he asked the love of his life to marry him. He and Beverly had a quick wedding in December of 1965 while he was in WV on leave for Christmas and they moved to Homestead Air Force base in Florida thereafter. They enjoyed their honeymoon months as he served out his time devoted to our country. They later moved back to WV and Bob went to work for the United States Postal Service at the Charleston Distribution center. He was a mail handler, then mail clerk, and later became an express/priority mail expeditor. He gave his best to his work and was a devoted employee for many years before retiring in 2004. Bob & Beverly had 3 children from their precious union. First came Bobby in 1969, Chris next in 1972, and then baby girl Bethany in 1978 to make the family complete. Over the years, they took many family vacations to Myrtle Beach, SC, Florida, and state parks throughout WV amongst many other adventures. Bob was always ready for fun and could be found splashing in the waves with his kids and riding all the roller coasters he could find. As parents, Bob & Beverly were dedicated to raising their children in church and ensured all were ready to go to each Sunday morning (even if late!) and other mid-week services and revivals. Bob would sing favorites “It is Well with my Soul”, “As the Storm Passes By” and “How Great Thou Art” among others on request, he faithfully served the Lord and his fellow Christian brothers & sisters with whatever was needed. He taught his children the importance of depending on God. Bob enjoyed sports in his spare time a great deal. He played softball with the post office, bowled in local leagues, and golfed whenever he could. When he wasn’t playing sports, he was watching them on TV. He was a die-hard Cincinnati Reds baseball & WV football fan! He loved enjoying sports with his sons, and they have inherited his fan spirit. Bob could be found at every ball game, concert, school event and special occasion his children & grandchildren had over the years until it became too hard for him to leave the house. His wonderful wife became caregiver and spent countless hours watching over him, feeding, encouraging and helping in all ways. Bob is preceded in death by his parents: Earl V and Sylvia Knighton; sister: Sue Neal; mother and father in-law: Lloyd and Geneva Wilkerson; and many other Christian friends & family who have gone ahead. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years: Beverly Knighton of Hurricane, WV; sons: Bobby Knighton of Malden, WV and Chris Knighton (Rachel) of Hickory, NC; and daughter: Bethany Chapman (Isaiah) of Scott Depot, WV; son in-law: David Ferris of Culloden, WV; brother, Cliff (Phyllis) of Norman, OK; brother in-law, Rick Neal of Cross Lanes, WV; sister in-laws: Barbara (Sam) Boardwine of Beckwith, WV and Jenny Hamm of Montgomery, WV; grandchildren: Miracle Knighton, Corey Knighton, Benjamin Knighton, Casey Knighton, Matthew Ferris, Emilee Knighton, and Sammy Ferris; as well as his great grandchildren: Amira, Annie, and Astella. Funeral Service for Bob will be 1:00pm Friday October 11, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home Hurricane, WV with Pastor Joe Scarberry officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens. Friends may visit the family an hour prior to the service. Anyone wishing to leave an online memory may do so by visiting Bob’s tribute page at: www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com. Chapman Funeral Home 3941 Teays Valley Road Hurricane, WV 25526 is honored to serve the Knighton family.

Robert Earl Knighton

November 2, 1944 - October 2, 2024