Harold A. Knecht

Harold A. Knecht, 87, of Davenport, Florida, formerly of Robinson, Illinois, passed away on March 10, 2026, at the George C. Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale, Florida. Born on April 20, 1938, in Casey, Illinois, he was raised on the family farm in Annapolis. That upbringing instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for hard work and a deep connection to the land.

After graduating from Hutsonville High School with the Class of 1956, Harold and his brother Gary owned the first filling station in Hutsonville. Following Gary’s untimely death, he sold the business and served in the United States Navy as a Machinist Mate aboard the USS Raleigh LPD-1, helping transport Marines. Upon returning home, he worked for the State of Illinois before beginning a 28-year career as a truck driver and Teamster, including 20 years with Commercial Lovelace out of Terre Haute as well as time with Morris Trucking and Rocket Motor Freight. He retired in 1999.

Harold had a lifelong passion for anything with wheels, engines, and horsepower. He collected old cars and antique tractors, particularly International Harvesters, and enjoyed attending tractor pulls. He often spoke of his first car, a 1957 Ford, and passed his love of fast driving on to his children. He also cherished Western novels and films, reading every Louis L’Amour book he could find. Above all, he treasured his family. He remained close to his brothers and sisters throughout his life and took great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren, often taking them on family vacations to Florida. He made Florida his permanent home in 2018.

Harold is survived by his former wife of 50 years, Karen “Sue” Knecht; his children, Ellen (Jim) Lindley and Michael (Tabitha) Knecht; his grandchildren, Megan Lindley, Payton (Austin) Croup, Dakota (Sam) Murphy, and Kienan (Harli) Knecht; his great-grandchildren, Millie Murphy, Atlas Knecht, and Aria Knecht; and his siblings, Verna Walton, Hazel DeDoming, Glenn Knecht, Ross “Butch” Knecht, and Rex Knecht, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Vere Knecht and Emogene (Burt) Knecht; his brother, Gary Leon Knecht; and his sisters, Oca Blankenbeker and Lois Cutright.

In accordance with his wishes, his remains will be laid to rest in York Cemetery.