Robert Knotts Obituary

In honor of Robert, you may send flowers or make a memorial contribution to the Dawson Building Fund or Boys Town of America in care of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home.

Robert Frank Knotts - affectionately known as Bob, Bobbie, or Robbie - peacefully passed away at his home in Mountain Grove, Missouri, on July 2nd at 12:02 a.m., surrounded by his beloved family. He was 84 years old.

Born on August 28, 1940, Bob’s life began with a miracle. Weighing just two pounds and not expected to live, he was tenderly placed in a shoebox on the oven door and fed goat’s milk with an eyedropper — a gift made possible when his father walked ten miles to town to buy a goat after seeing the worry on his wife’s face. That fierce love and quiet strength would become hallmarks of Bob’s life. 

Bob was a lifelong Bible scholar and devoted Sunday school teacher. With wisdom rooted in scripture and seasoned by personal experience, he had a unique ability to speak truth with humility — always pointing others to God’s Word through practical, everyday lessons. He lived what he taught, finding wealth not in possessions but in the laughter of his children and grandchildren, the grip of a child’s hand in his, and the sacredness of ordinary moments. 

A quiet man, it was once thought Bob couldn’t speak — until at 18 months old he was “caught” singing while playing. That quiet voice would later read countless stories and scriptures to his children and grandchildren, creating memories etched in their hearts. 

Bob believed family wasn’t confined to a family tree — he loved as a father, grandfather, and mentor regardless of bloodlines, embracing all who came into his life with a humble and generous spirit. His life was a foundation — quite literally. He built the family home from the ground up, along with barns, sheds, podiums and forts. He helped build or remodel each of his daughters’ homes, often using his only day off, no matter the distance. 

His children remember learning to shift gears with his steady hand over theirs in his old black Ford truck. One of the most cherished stories is of Bob taking his children swimming after a long workday — prompted by Rob, Tonya and Shirlene sending Kristie with the Bible held upside down, announcing, “The Bible says, ‘Thou shalt take thy children swimming!’”

Holidays were especially dear to Bob — the sparkle of Christmas lights with a Santa hat and the crack of fireworks on the Fourth of July brought out the playful twinkle in his eye. He was a quiet presence in the background, always doing what needed to be done, never asking for recognition. His dry wit and quick humor brought joy to all, whether through a teasing nickname, being lovingly outwitted by a joke, a satirical 40th anniversary poem for his beloved Margie, or the mysterious “special” gift for a son-in-law on Christmas. 

Bob is survived by his cherished wife of 65 years, Margie Knotts, and their children: Robert (Robbie) R. and wife, Libby Knotts; Tonya L. and husband, Smiley Martin; Shirlene K. and husband, Bill Denman; Kristie R. and husband, Russ Wilson. He also leaves behind “children of the heart”: Drace and wife, Lisa Feston, Dalene Ross, and D’Van and wife, Sandi Feston.

He is deeply missed by his grandchildren: Cierra Knotts, Bobbie J. Knotts, Charlie Knotts, Tasha Hunt, Jessica Lewis, Daniel Martin, Brittini Martin, Tyler and wife, Tayler Denman, Cody Denman, Nathan and wife, Victoria Wilson, Rachel, Rebecca, and Jacob Feston; and his great-grandchildren: Audrey, Taylor, and Bella Garner, and Maisie Denman and many other relatives and friends who will greatly miss him. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, R. Frank Knotts and Evelyn M. (Bowers) Knotts; his brother, Paul Knotts; sisters, Betty A. Knotts and Mary Radar and step-father, Stephen Nettleton. 

A humble man of deep faith, Bob Knotts lived a life of quiet devotion, constant service, and enduring love. He showed us what it meant to walk in God’s word — not with grand declarations, but through the gentle, steady steps of a father, a husband, a friend, and a man of God. 

Well done, good and faithful servant. You are loved beyond measure.