Robert "Bob" F. Knust

IN MEMORY OF: Robert "Bob" F. Knust Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois Robert "Bob" F. Knust, 81, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, with his loving wife and family by his side. Bob was born on December 2, 1944, to Joseph and Violet Knust in Jacksonville, IL. He spent his entire career over 50 years as a truck driver, proudly driving an 18-wheeler across the country for Womick and Sons, VanCloostere Trucking, Cox Trucking, and ultimately retiring from Southern Illinois Motor Express, Inc. Bob was known for his infectious sense of humor, strong work ethic, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his wife and family. He never turned down a game of cards—especially a game of pitch with family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, coon hunting, family fish fries, and spending time at family gatherings. He will be remembered for his lifelong friendships, contagious laughter, ornery spirit, Saturday afternoon card games, and, above all, the love he shared with his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Judy (Tripp) Knust; his four children, Ronda Boucher of Murphysboro, Illinois; Cindy Knust-Higgins (Gary) of Chatham, Illinois; Tonya Knust (Tammy) of Murphysboro, Illinois; and Leslie Todd of Johnston City, Illinois. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Daniel Boucher, Tara Dusch, Jordan Higgins, Hailey Higgins, Bethany Wougamon, Adriana Tucker, and Austin Todd; his four great-grandchildren: Abbigail Boucher, Trendon Dusch, Talon Dusch, and Joseph Donoghue Jr.; his sister, Charlotte Stahlman Meyer; his brother, Darrell Knust; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Violet Knust; his brother, Donald Knust; and his grandparents, Robert and Georgia Leisure. Bob's legacy of hard work, laughter, friendship, and love for his family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Visitations will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Crain Funeral Home Downtown Murphysboro. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM with Cliff Waller officiating at Crain Funeral Home Downtown Murphysboro. Interment will follow the service at Murdale Gardens of Memory. Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro is in charge of arrangements.

Robert "Bob" F. Knust

December 2, 1944 - August 2, 2026