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Mr. Richard “Wayne” “Bear” Knapp Sr., 86, of Cherry Street, Mocksville, formerly of Saegertown, Pa., died on June 8, 2021.

He was born June 11, 1934, in Richland Township, Pa. to the late Frank Knapp and the late Aola Birdie (Chrisjohn) Knapp. He attended Cambridge Springs High School. Upon enlisting in the U.S. Army, he served three years in the military police during the Korean Conflict, where he was awarded Marksman and Sharpshooter status. He was honorably discharged and earned the Good Conduct and National Defense Service medals. He married Joetta Lee Shumaker of Saegertown, Pa. on July 2, 1958.

He worked for the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and American Viscose Corp. He worked at PPG Industries in Meadville as a millwright for 30 years until his retirement. He then enjoyed working for Peterson’s Auto and Hovis Auto in his spare time. He also enjoyed hunting and golfing; however, his true joy was softball. He played for many years, then decided what he really wanted was to be an umpire. He fulfilled that dream and spent 30 years as an ASA Umpire at Lincoln Avenue Softball Fields in Meadville, Pa.

His greatest legacy is his family and he was proud and fiercely protective of all of them.

Surviving:his wife of nearly 63 years, Joetta; sons Richard W. Knapp Jr. and wife Mary of Mocksville, Dr. Jody L. Knapp and wife Amanda of Granville, N.Y.; his daughter, Shelley L. Coleman of Meadville; grandchildren Danielle, Heather, Shane, Jonathan, Mercedes, Sahara, Connor, Tiffany, Clairee, William and Aaron; 14 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his dog, Bandit.

He was also preceded in death by: his brothers, Albert, Frank, Bobo and Merle; sisters, Ruth and Mary; and 2 infant sons, Michael Wayne and Gary Steven Knapp.

He was a lifetime member of New Beginnings Church of God in Meadville, where many loved his singing and enjoyed his famous spaghetti and meatballs during church dinners.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 3, at 11 a.m. at New Beginnings Church of God, Meadville. A private burial will occur at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Meadville.

Condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.