Karl E. Knapp

Karl E. Knapp, 54, a beloved father and friend, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Summa Health at Barberton.

Born in Waterford, Michigan, Karl was the son of the late Leslie and Rebecca (Stewart) Knapp and led a life filled with passion, creativity, and a profound commitment to those around him.

A graduate of Waterford-Kettering High School, in Michigan, Karl pursued his education further at the Specs-Howard School of Broadcast Arts in Southfield, Michigan, where he earned a degree in Broadcasting. In his early career, he had worked for WJER Radio at Dover. After that Karl had various career endeavors that showed how adaptable and versatile his talents were.

Karl honorably served in the United States Navy, a testament to his dedication and sense of duty. This service shaped much of his life, and he carried those values into his everyday interactions. One of Karl's proudest accomplishments was his involvement with the New Destiny Treatment Center at Canal Fulton, where he deepened his relationship with God, fostering connections that impacted his life profoundly.

Karl’s zest for life was evident not only in his professional endeavors but also in his personal pursuits. A fun-loving individual with a great sense of humor, he cherished all forms of sports, with baseball holding a special place in his heart as a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees. His passion for sports extended to participating in numerous fantasy football leagues, where his enthusiasm and competitive spirit thrived.

Beyond the ballpark, Karl was a gifted writer blessed with a creative mind. He had a deep love for storytelling—crafting characters, exploring new screen ideas, and bringing his imagination to life through writing. Karl also took joy in crafting playlists and CDs for every occasion from family road trips to everyday listening. Music was an integral part of his life.

He is survived by his three children, Abbey (Jonas) Byler of Carrollton, Andrew Knapp of Canton and Erika (Noah) Cafaro of Waynesburg; his two grandchildren, Madilyn and Maverick Byler; his sister, Angela (Mike) Miley and his former wife, Rebecca Knapp of Uhrichsville.

In addition to his parents, Karl was preceded in death by his brother, Aaron Knapp.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 12 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home at New Philadelphia with Charley Hazly officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday beginning at 11 AM.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to either the New Destiny Treatment Center, 6694 Taylor Road, Clinton, Ohio 44216, or, a GoFundMe page, that has been set up to assist in offsetting his expenses at GoFundMe