Robert Jr. Knesek

Robert Knesek, Jr., was born on June 12, 1920, in Sparks, Oklahoma, and departed this life on Wednesday, October 5, 2011, in Prague, Oklahoma, at the age of 91. Robert, the son of Robert and Mary Ann (Muzny) Knesek, was a resident of Sparks. He graduated from Prague High School with the class of 1939 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Central State College in 1947. He married Beulah Watson of Meeker on October 18, 1941. She preceded him in death on December 21, 2006. Robert proudly served his country with the United States Army during World War II during which time he saw action in Normandy, Rhineland Ardennes, Northern France, and Central Europe. Robert was an elementary school principal and taught band, gym, and elementary education in schools through his lifetime in California, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. He had a 100-acre farm in Van Buren, Arkansas where he raised chickens and cattle. His parents, 3 sisters, 2 brothers, 1 infant daughter, and grandson, Jon Robert Knesek, also preceded Robert in death. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Garry and Bonnie Knesek of Sparks, Oklahoma, and Larry Knesek of Arkansas; grandchildren, Terry Lynn Rasmussen of Arkansas, Allexcia Rankin of Arkansas, Elizabeth Knight of Arkansas, Larry Knesek of Arkansas; great-grandchildren, Kolby Rasmussen of Arkansas, Robert Rankin of Arkansas, Austin Rankin of Arkansas, Xander Rankin of Arkansas; sisters, Evelyn McKay of Prague, Lillian Lewis of Houston, TX; many other nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 10, 2011 at 10:00 AM, at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with Rev. JoeAnn Pritchett officiating. Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Meeker.