Robert Ewell McKnight

ODESSA — Fort Davis rancher, Robert Ewell McKnight, died July 1 following a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 72 years of age.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 3, at 1 p.m., at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa, Texas.
Honorary pallbearers are: Sonny Henderson, Ted Gray, Jim White, Allan Hawkins, Sonny McElroy, Palmer Willis, Tom Rodman, Trey Edwards, Ray Stocker, Jimmy Powell and Vern Forman.
Memorials may be sent to the Moira Reinhardt Scholarship Fund, in care of the James L. West Special Care Center, 1111 Summit Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas, 76102, the Food Pantry, P.O. Box 244, Fort Davis, Texas, 79734, Meals on Wheels in care of Lorena Wells, Fort Davis, Texas, 79734 or to the charity of your choice.
Bob was born to Ewell and Lucille White McKnight on August 10, 1931, in San Angelo, Texas. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1948. McKnight’s college years were interrupted because he served in the United States Air Force for three years. He graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1955 but always considered himself a member of the Class of 1952.
A fifth-generation rancher, McKnight ranched in Ector, Crane, Jeff Davis and Brewster counties. In 1968, his family and he moved to Fort Davis. McKnight served as a director of the First National Bank of Odessa, the Fort Davis State Bank and the First National Bank of Alpine. He was also a past president of the Fort Davis School Board.
In addition, Bob was an active member of the Sandhills Hereford and Quarter Horse Show of Odessa, along with the Texas Cattleraisers Association and the Texas Hereford Association where he served as a vice president.
In 1993, McKnight was named a recipient of the Community Statesman Award and Distinguished Former Odessan Award for Ranching. And, in 2003, he was elected as an Honorary Director of the Texas Hereford Association.
Survivors include daughters, Debbie and Jeff Milburn of Colorado Springs, Colo., Cathy and Bill Albers of Dallas, Marci and Ned Stocker of Fort Worth, Sue and Charles Ivey of Abilene, Becca and Mark Stupfel of Fort Worth; sons, Bobby and Lynda McKnight of Fort Davis and John McKnight of Fort Worth; sister, Joann and Ed Magruder of Odessa; grandchildren Jane, Michael, Andrew, Cameron, Jennifer, Jacqueline, Mary Katherine, Chilton, Cole, James and Anna; niece, Elizabeth Lambert of Austin; and nephew, Louis Lambert of San Antonio.
Bob McKnight exhibited much strength and resilience in his struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He lived each day with hope, optimism and love. The McKnight family wishes to thank the many people who contributed to his care throughout this long and valiant battle. These include Dr. John W. Foster Jr. of Midland, Dr. Janice Knebl of Fort Worth and the fine and loving staff of the James L. West Special Care Center in Fort Worth, along with the very special caregivers that became extensions of our family in both Fort Davis and Fort Worth.
Bob leaves an everlasting legacy of unconditional love, unconscious humility, understanding and generosity. He will be missed and remembered by all.
Dad has been our “rock” throughout our lives, guiding each of us with his unfailing love, patience and understanding. We do miss you so much. We love you, Dad.