Craig Martin Knecht

Craig Martin Knecht, aged 75, born February 20, 1949 in Akron, OH, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024, in Tampa, FL. He was the son of and preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Paul Knecht and Kathryn Louise Mumper, as well as his stepson, Dennis Gelinas. Craig's life was a testament to the strength and love he carried within him, traits that he passed on to his family and everyone he met.

Craig, also known as Pops, proudly served his country as an Army veteran, a period of his life that shaped much of his character. After his military service, he joined the family business as a locksmith where he quickly gained the skills of a safe cracker. Soon after, he worked at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in the Maintenance Department, from which he retired.

He is survived by his loving sons, Christopher (Amanda) Knecht and Corey (Marie) Knecht; his brother, Keith (Marilyn) Knecht; his former spouse, Connie Vargas, many nieces and nephews, and friends that became family. Craig's legacy also lives on through his cherished grandchildren, Alyssa, Ella, and Cade Knecht, who will remember their Pawpaw for his boundless love and the wisdom he imparted.

Craig was a man of many interests, but he held a special passion for collecting tools and tinkering on many projects. His love for Corvettes was more than just a hobby; it was a reflection of his appreciation for craftsmanship and the joy of the open road. Those who knew Craig would describe him as passionate, handy, and loving—a man whose hands were as skilled at building and fixing things as his mouth was at haggling.

As Henry Ford once said, "That man is best educated who knows the greatest number of things that are so, and who can do the greatest number of things to help and heal the world." Craig embodied this spirit of lifelong learning and youthful enthusiasm, always eager to tackle a new project or master another skill.

The world is a richer place for having had Craig in it, and he will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace, remembered always for the remarkable man he was.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Fund in memory of Craig Knecht.
https://www.vvmf.org/give-to-vvmf/

Friends and family will be received Thursday, April 25th, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 PM.

Craig will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL on Monday, April 29th, 2024 at 11:00 AM.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563, (813) 717-9300
 

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