Robert (Bobby) Wayne Knauf, of League City, Texas, entered the gates of Heaven on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, in his residence with his wife and daughter by his side. Robert was born in Hempstead, Texas, on Oct. 10, 1964, to Ralph Knauf Sr. and Loretta LaPoint Cleveland. Prior to being diagnosed with cancer on April 9, 2019, Robert worked as a Certified Auto Mechanic at Friendswood Auto in Friendswood, Texas, and Elliott’s Automotive in Pearland, Texas.
Robert lived by the philosophy of “Never stop seeking the Lord.”, and could oftentimes be heard saying, “I know a little about everything, not everything about one thing, and I guess the rest.”. Robert was well-known in his neighborhood as the mechanic that could fix anything. Anyone who came to know Robert loved and cherished his friendship, wisdom, and no-nonsense take on life. All those that truly knew him, knew him to be the most determined and strong-willed man they have ever met, even up until his last breath.
Robert was very devoted to his family. He would do whatever it took to make sure they were never without. When it came to his wife, Donna, their love story was one that’s never-ending. Their story started as young love, came with trials and tribulations, followed with years of separation. As fate would have it, they spent the last 14 years of Robert’s life together, filling it with second-chances, commitment, respect, love for each other, and love for Jesus.
Robert had a passion for fishing, college football, NASCAR, and Rock N’ Roll music. However, there were two things in his life that truly made him happy: having his daughter and her family at his house and working on cars. When he wasn’t working on cars, you could find him hanging out with his dog, Sam, in the garage, at the kitchen table playing Yahtzee with his grandchildren, or at the Bingo Hall with his wife.
Robert is survived by his wife, Donna Guidry-Knauf; daughter, Robyn Schoonover and son-in-law, Matthew Schoonover of La Porte, Texas; his grandchildren, Rylee Allee, Carter Allee, Corey Schoonover, and Ellie Schoonover all of La Porte, TX; sister, Sharon Harrell of Maurice, LA; brother, Chris Knauf of Sulphur, La.; sisters-in-law, Paula Knauf and Terry Knauf; nephews, James Harrell, Timothy Harrell, Michael Harrell, and Kevin Harrell; nieces, Jessica Sellars and Adrienne Harrell; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Knauf Sr. and Loretta LaPoint Cleveland; brothers, Joey Knauf, Ralph Knauf Jr. and Jimmy Knauf; and his beloved dog, Sam, whom you could find side-by-side with his best friend, providing comfort through the best of times and worst of times.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home with Pastor Lance Lawson officiating. Burial will be at Mimosa Pines Cemetery in Carlyss under the direction of Johnson and Robison Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, from 4 – 8 p.m. at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home and will resume on Saturday at 8 a.m. until time of the service.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.robisonfuneralhome.com.