Robert "Knip" Knippenburg

Robert “Knip” Eugene Knippenburg, 81, of Midland died Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, WV surrounded by family. Born in Midland on March 16, 1938 he was the son of the late Clifford Knippenburg and Mary (James) Knippenburg.

He was preceded in death by his son John Clifford Knippenburg, brother William “Carlton” Knippenburg and wife Ruby, brother Ormond Knippenburg, and sister-in-law Terry Knippenburg.

A graduate of Beall High School class of 1956; he went on to become a Customer Engineer for IBM. Methodist by faith he was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church, Midland. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Laffey. He was a member of the USS Laffey Association and the Tin Can Sailors Association.

A 60 year member of the Midland Fire Company, he formerly served as President and Chief. He was also Past President of the Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. He was also a field instructor for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.

Always devoted to the community, he was an Emeritus member of the Board of Directors for Chessie Federal Credit Union, a Charter Member of George’s Creek Ambulance Service, a member of Big Savage Sportsmen’s Club, an Ali Ghan Shriner with the Provost Guard, a member of George’s Creek Masonic Lodge 161, and previously served as  Midland Town Councilman.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years Barbara Knippenburg; daughter Bobbie Ann Kirkwood and husband Steve; two grandchildren Cady Kirkwood Rankin and husband Charles, and Tyler Robert Kirkwood, and one brother Harold Knippenburg.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home, P.A., Midland. The Midland Fire Company will hold a memorial service at 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at the Midland Firehall on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at 1:00 PM with Rev. John Long, Chief Chaplain of the MD State Firemen’s Association officiating. Interment will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Moscow Mills.

At the request of the family memorial donations may be made in memory of Robert “Knip” to the Midland Fire Company at 14823 Broadway St. SW, Midland, MD 21532.