Bill (Garland William) Knott

Bill (Garland William) Knott, 71 of Galesburg, passed away at 7:25 p.m. Friday, November 11, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born January 28, 1945 in Avon, the son of George W. and Maxine Wheeler Knott. He married Mary “Mickie” Dawson on December 16, 1967.

Bill is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mickie; his children, Danni (Rod) McNeeley of Galesburg, Matt (Becky) Knott of Alexis, and Laura (Brooks) Johnson of Minneapolis, Minnesota;  11 grandchildren, Brenna Knott, Bronson (Mikayla) McNeeley, Madison (Michael) Sorenson, Delaney Sorenson, Grace McNeeley, PJ McNeeley, Alissa Johnson, Hunter Johnson, Alexandra Knott, Kristoffer Knott and Brooklynn Knott; one sister, Joann Moore of Galesburg and one brother, Richard (Connie) Knott of Wataga, along with many nieces and nephews 

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and one sister, Norma Knott.

Bill grew up in the Delong, Maquon and Avon areas and graduated from Avon High School in 1963. He attended Spoon River Junior College Canton and worked at Admiral’s in Galesburg. He later joined the Army in 1965, and served a tour of duty in Vietnam.  After the service, he attended Carl Sandburg College on the GI bill, worked at Wilson Meat Packing and Illinois Pork in Monmouth, and retired from Western Illinois University, where he worked as a Fireman in Heating and Cooling for the maintenance department. He had also lived in Abingdon, Monmouth and lastly in the Galesburg area. He was a member of VFW Post #2257 in Galesburg, serving as Commander from 2014 until his health forced him to resign in 2016. He enjoyed reading, gardening, and especially volunteering at the VFW in Galesburg.  He also was a volunteer tutor of Math and English through the Carl Sandburg College Literacy Coalition.  

Per Bill’s wishes, cremation will be accorded. Military rites by VFW 2257/Legion 285 Honor Guard and service with Mike Lummis and Bill Palmer speaking, will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the VFW Post #2257, 1001 Michigan Avenue in Galesburg followed by a celebration of his life until 4 p.m. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Carl Sandburg College Literacy Coalition or VFW Post 2257. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.