William L. Knabe

William L. Knabe, 74, of Indianapolis, passed away at home on Thursday, July 25, 2019.

He was born on November 26, 1944 in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Lester William and Sarah Melrose (Cook) Knabe. Bill served honorably in the USMC following his graduation from high school in 1963. After his discharge, he began work in the Steel Mills in Pittsburgh, PA and Gary, IN and eventually made his way to Indianapolis. It was here he met his future wife, Paula Morgan; they were united in marriage on November 21, 1970.

Bill worked as a cross country trucker, leaving his family behind for weeks at a time. He worked for many years with Caito Mascari, H&W Trucking; and eventually went on to own his own trucking company, Calvin & Knabe. Bill loved the open road and the freedom to travel the country. He and his family enjoyed many vacations across the United States. Bill had been an active member of the Falcon Club since 1986, currently service as Vice President. He cherished his 1963½ Ford Falcon, which was a labor of love to restore. When Bill wasn’t working on his car, he could be found out in the yard working in the vegetable garden or playing with the neighborhood kids. He was a stubborn man, but a generous man, and will be missed by all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of nearly 49 years, Paula K. Knabe; children, Eric (Stephen Cherepak) Knabe and Heidi (Cary) Chapman; grandson, Cameron Chapman; siblings, Julie Hebrank and Harry (Gloria) Knabe. He is also survived by his devoted canine companions, Sampson and Happy Pappy; friendly felines, Indie, GiGi, Frank, Ralph, Fluffy; and numerous neighborhood cats that he would feed and care for. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sally Liscinsky and her husband, John; brother-in-law, Gene Hebrank.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 from 3-7pm at Flanner Buchanan – Memorial Park, with funeral services immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outdoors (FIDO) or to Indianapolis Animal Care Services. Friends are invited to leave online condolences for the family at www.flannerbuchanan.com.