Joseph ''Joe'' P. Knox

Joseph "Joe" P. Knox, 84, of Springfield, passed away at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2009 at St. John's Hospice. Joe was born February 10, 1925 in Springfield, the son of J.P. "Cotton" and Esther Dickerson Knox, the youngest of nine children. He graduated from St. Agnes Grade School and Cathedral High School. Joe was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during WWII. He served as a Radioman Second Class on the LST 459 in New Guinea and the Philippines, earning six battle stars. Upon his return he married Lottie Lemmon in 1951 in Springfield, who preceded him in death in 1981. One son Kim preceded him in death in 1990. Also preceding Joe in death, were his parents; six siblings, Thomas, Donald, Carroll "Kike", Louis "Louie", Howard "Fuzz' Knox, and Kathryn "Kate" Bangert; and his long time companion, Margaret "Peg" Washko. Joe was elected as Sangamon County Clerk of the Circuit Court in 1956 and re-elected in 1960 and 1964. He was elected Commissioner of Public Health and Safety in 1967 and re-elected in 1971. Joe was also elected as delegate to the 1972 Democratic National Convention in Miami, Florida. He was employed by entrepreneur brothers, Sam and Raymond Klein from 1975 to 1987 when he retired. Joe met many dignitaries, some of whom included Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, and Ted Kennedy. He was an avid golfer up until his death, having achieved two holes-in-one at Bunn Golf Course. He was a former Golden Glove boxer, once meeting the great Joe Lewis. Joe was inducted into the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. Joe is survived by his sons, Kevin Joseph and Kyle Timothy (companion, Dori Smith); his daughter, Kriscenda Marie (companion, Deborah Kemp); two brothers, Paul and Lawrence Knox; his grandchildren, Patrick and Michael Knox, sons of Kyle Knox and Susan Knox, and Katlyn and Laura Knox, daughters of Sharon and the late Kim Knox; one great grandchild, Kyler; and many nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at Kirlin- Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Cremation will be accorded following visitation by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. A memorial ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Jallas officiating. Inurnment will follow at Calvary Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to VFW, 2211 Old Jacksonville Rd, Springfield, IL, 62704.