A man who lived a life of music has died.
Charles Putnam Knapp, director of bands and orchestras at Knoxville District 202 schools for 31 years and later owner of a band instrument business with his wife passed away June 27. He was 89.
Knapp’s passion for music touched thousands of people in central Illinois. In addition to his teaching role, Charlie was a violist with the Knox-Galesburg Symphony for 50 years, a member of the Monmouth Civic Orchestra for 17 years, and a violinist with Hal Loya String Quartet for 30 years. He also played drums in a dance band, the Charles Knapp Quartet.
According to his obituary, whether he was teaching, performing, repairing instruments, or attending musical events, Knapp’s love for the beauty and joy of music was evident. One of his former students recalled, “At the end of every concert, in that moment of silence between the stunning last note and the applause, Mr. Knapp would look up from his music stand, look into our eyes, and whisper, ‘beautiful.’”
Charles Knapp was born Oct. 11, 1933, in Galesburg, the son of Charles and Francis Knapp of Oneida. He graduated from R.O.V.A. High School in 1952 and married Marilyn Holmes on August 20, 1955. They were married 63 years before Marilyn passed away in 2019.
Knapp attended Western Illinois University, where he graduated with a B.S. in music as well as M.S. and Ed.S. degrees in administration. He served as director of bands and orchestras in the Knoxville, IL school system for 31 years. After retiring from teaching, Charlie worked with his wife, Marilyn, as co-owners of Knapp Band Instrument Company and String Shop.
His family says Charlie’s love for his community fueled his involvement with the Galesburg Community Foundation and the Knoxville Community Fund. In support of the arts, Charlie and his wife, Marilyn, attended numerous local music and arts events, such as the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, Chicago Symphony, and Peoria Symphony. For many years he organized and directed summer band concerts in Knoxville Park as well as the Knox County Fair.
Knapp is survived by two sons, Robert (Rebecca) Knapp of Ellisville, and James Knapp of Pittsboro, Indiana, along with numerous grand children and great-grand children.
Funeral Services for Charles Knapp will be at 11 a.m.. on Friday, July 7 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Galesburg. A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held following the funeral service from 1 to 4 p.m. at Soangetaha Country Club in Galesburg.
