Robert Melvin "Bob" Knoll

ROBERT MELVIN "BOB" KNOLL Funeral services for lifelong Cortez resident Robert Melvin "Bob" Knoll will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 21 at the Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75. Military honors will be conducted. Robert had just celebrated his 88th birthday prior to his passing on Wednesday, August 14, 2013. Robert was born in Delta, Colo. one of three children born to Frank and Helen (Umbrell) Knoll. He was raised in Silverton, Colo. and at the age of 17, Robert enlisted in the Marines. He served his country in the highest capacity and is possibly the most decorated veteran left in our small community. Robert saw combat in the Hawaiian Islands, Iwo Jima, and the battle in Saipan. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal and Gold Star in lieu of a second Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts and a Presidential Citation. After his discharge from the Marines, Robert was married to Louise Sanken of Durango. He continued his education at the "Old Fort." Robert and Louise started a family and settled in Durango. He was a math teacher, taught auto mechanics at the Vo-Tech and ended his career with the United States Postal Service, retiring after many years of service. Robert was also a third generation miner and worked for the Highland Mary Mines in the Silverton area. Surviving Robert are his children, Kay Bannister and Lynne Fassler; his grandchildren, Cindy Spiva, Robert Michael Fassler, Daniel Bannister, Austin Bannister, Kelly Bannister Mendoza; his great-grandchildren, Samantha Spiva, Katelyn Spiva, Colten Spiva, Noah Spiva, Brandon Mendoza, Rachel Mendoza, Alyssa Mendoza, Jenna Bannister, and Krista Bannister; and by his siblings, Dorothy Fairfull and Frank Knoll. Robert was preceded in death by his parents.