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William B. Knable

March 19, 1947 - August 16, 2026
Visitation
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel
400 Twyckenham Blvd
Lafayette, IN 47909
Thursday 8/20, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Mass of Christian Burial
St. Lawrence Catholic Church
1916 Meharry Street
Lafayette, IN 47904
Friday 8/21, 11:00 am

William B. “Bill” Knable, 79, of Lafayette, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Franciscan Health, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 19, 1947, in New Albany, Indiana, Bill was the son of the late Bernard and Ines (McClure) Knable. On October 15, 1966, he married the love of his life, Dickie Sue Lee, in New Albany. Together, they built a beautiful life and were dearly looking forward to celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this fall.

A lifelong learner with a passion for knowledge, Bill graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and later returned to earn a degree in history. During his time at Purdue, he was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

Bill enjoyed a distinguished career, retiring as Vice President of British American Tobacco after more than 30 years of dedicated service across the United States and abroad. An Eagle Scout, Bill believed strongly in community and faith. He was an active member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in both Lafayette and New Albany, where he served as past Grand Knight.

An avid traveler, Bill loved exploring the world, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He cherished hosting loved ones at his home in Lafayette and creating lasting memories on family vacations both near and far.

Along with his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Ally Knable.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Dickie; his four children, Kelly (Thomas) Jones of Lafayette, Bill (Christie) Knable of Venice, FL, Matthew (Debrah) Knable of Knoxville, TN, and Patrick (Kristen) Knable of Lafayette; five grandchildren, Billy Knable, Maureen (Ben) Walls, Will (Canaan) Jones, Maddie Knable, and Theo Knable; and four great-grandchildren, Sofia, Winnie, Ro, and Dean. He also leaves behind his sister, Nancy (Terry) Foster of Henryville, IN; his brother, Dennis (Sharon) Knable of Australia; and a large, loving extended family.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Soller-Baker Funeral Home,  400 Twyckenham Blvd. Lafayette, IN 47909.

The Funeral Mass will be held Friday, August 21, 2026 at at 11:00 am at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Lafayette.  Interment will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery in Lafayette, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s honor to Lafayette Catholic Schools.

 

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.
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Cherie Negrete
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Dennis Knable
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Linda Eason
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Shay
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Jeffrey Barbee
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Visitation
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel
400 Twyckenham Blvd
Lafayette, IN 47909
Map
Thursday 8/20, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Mass of Christian Burial
St. Lawrence Catholic Church
1916 Meharry Street
Lafayette, IN 47904
Map
Friday 8/21, 11:00 am

William B. “Bill” Knable, 79, of Lafayette, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Franciscan Health, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 19, 1947, in New Albany, Indiana, Bill was the son of the late Bernard and Ines (McClure) Knable. On October 15, 1966, he married the love of his life,Continue Reading

See Condolences
John Jewell left a message on August 24, 2026:
Cathy and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Bill’s sudden passing. We have many fond memories of Bill, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Cherie Negrete left a message on August 23, 2026:
In memory of William B. Knable, Cherie Negrete lit a candle
Michael Peter Mazza left a message on August 21, 2026:
My deepest sympathies to all of Bill's family. He was such a gentleman and great leader when I worked with him in Macon, GA. Prayers and God's Blessing to you all.
Dennis Knable left a message on August 21, 2026:
you will be missed
Diane & Tom Hinzman left a message on August 20, 2026:
Sincere condolences to the Knable family. We have fond memories working for Bill in Macon.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Linda Eason left a message on August 20, 2026:
In memory of William B. Knable, Linda Eason lit a candle
joyce hernandez left a message on August 19, 2026:
Sympathy and Prayers for you, Matt and Debrah. Love you--Noz🌹
Patti Chapman left a message on August 19, 2026:
My deepest condolences to Dickie and family. I worked for Bill when he was VP of the B&W Macon GA Branch. He was an excellent leader loved by all. One of my fondest memories was his 50th birthday. Warren Pace, Rita Schrader and I decorated his entry door with black balloons and Over the Hill banners. He rounded the corner that morning and laughed for about 3 seconds and then quickly said "TAKE IT DOWN"!! I told him on his next birthday he had the Dick Clark Syndrome and he liked this much better than the Over the Hill birthday version! Warmest sympathy to Dickie, Kelly, Billy, Matthew, Patrick and all grands.
Patti Chapman left a message on August 19, 2026:
My deepest condolences to Dickie and family. I worked for Bill when he was VP of the B&W Macon GA Branch. He was an excellent leader loved by all. One of my fondest memories was his 50th birthday. Warren Pace, Rita Schrader and I decorated his entry door with black balloons and Over the Hill banners. He rounded the corner that morning and laughed for about 3 seconds and then quickly said "TAKE IT DOWN"!! I told him on his next birthday he had the Dick Clark Syndrome and he liked this much better than the Over the Hill birthday version! Warmest sympathy to Dickie, Kelly, Billy, Matthew, Patrick and all grands.
Crystal Harpe left a message on August 19, 2026:
On behalf of the team at Vacu Vin USA, Inc., Canaan and Will, we offer our sincere condolences to you and your family. A gift has been made to the Lafayette Catholic School system in Mr. Knable's honor.
Cheryl Washburn left a message on August 19, 2026:
Dear Kelly and family- I am so very sorry at the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family at this difficult time. May your father Rest In Peace. Cheryl Washburn
Bev and Frank Rice left a message on August 18, 2026:
Nancy, sending prayers of comfort to you and the family.
Manfred and Maria Kasprzok left a message on August 18, 2026:
Bill, we don’t have the right words — we are not sure there are any. Just know we're thinking about you and your family, and we're here whenever you want to talk or not talk.
Gary Nicholson & Gail J Nicholson left a message on August 18, 2026:
Our sincere condolences to the family of Bill Knable. A great man, and a true friend. Prayers to the family.
Shay left a message on August 18, 2026:
In memory of William B. Knable, Shay lit a candle
Jeffrey Barbee left a message on August 18, 2026:
A great man and always a pleasure to run into. Prayers for peace.
The Brothers of Oriental Lodge No. 453 left a message on August 18, 2026:
Our thoughts and prayers are with our Brother Matthew and the whole Knable family during this difficult time.
Rick Lee left a message on August 18, 2026:
Aunt Dickie my prayers are with you and the kids so sorry these things have to happen in life but I guarantee you he is in a better place now
Rick Lee left a message on August 18, 2026:
So sad my prayers are with you Aunt Dickie he was a great man
Marci Lee-Stewart left a message on August 18, 2026:
Our condolences to all of you for the sudden loss of Uncle Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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