John Robert Knotts Sr.

John Robert Knotts, Sr., 78, died Sunday, May 17, 2015 at St Luke’s Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, following medical complications that led to respiratory distress. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gloria (Wilber) Knotts, his son, John Knotts, Jr., his son’s wife, Lori Seitz, and many close friends across the United States. He is the son of Robert and Mable Knotts (deceased) and the brother of James Knotts (deceased) and Sharon Fackler. Born in Highland Park, Michigan, John lived most of his life in the Detroit Metropolitan area of Michigan. Recently, John and Gloria moved to the San Antonio area to be close to their son and daughter-in-law. In his early years, Mr. Knotts was a gas station attendant before he was drafted for one enlistment in the Army between the Korean and Vietnam War. After the Army, he became a police officer and fireman for the Beverly Hills Michigan Public Safety Department, where he spent the rest of his career, retiring as the Director of Public Safety. John attended Birmingham High School and graduated with the class of 1954. He went on to attend many community college courses. John and Gloria were avid travelers, having seen nearly every state in the United States via motorhome or travel trailer, as well as visiting several countries outside of the United States. In the winters they would stay at Live Oak RV Resort and Golf Course where they developed many friends over the years. Both enjoyed the game of golf and John enjoyed working around the house. Gloria and John met at The Big Town Restaurant in Royal Oak, Michigan, in August 1961, right after he separated from the Army. They were married on May 27, 1962, at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Highland Park, Michigan. There will be a memorial visitation and service held on Wednesday, May 27, 2015, from 9 am until the time of the service 11 am, at the Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, 705 W. Eleven Mile Road (4 blocks E of Woodward), Royal Oak, Michigan. A luncheon will be held following the memorial service to celebrate his life at Pasquale's Restaurant, 31555 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, Michigan. John’s ashes will be interred at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in a private ceremony in June 2015. Those interested in attending the luncheon, please email knotts.memorial.service@gmail.com. Memorial contributions may be made in John Knotts’ name to the Beverly Hills Lions Club - Irving Usner, 19153 Walmer, Beverly Hills MI, 48025 or donor’s choice.

John Robert Knotts Sr.

June 2, 1936 - May 17, 2015