Obituary of Edward George Knox

Olean – Edward G. Knox Edward George Knox, (just Ed Knox to those who knew him), a veteran, life-long patriot, retired sergeant of the New York State Police, proud and card-carrying member of The Old Guard Association, unconditional proponent of the Second Amendment, and most importantly and prominently, lover of his children, died on Thursday, May 6, 2021. Ed Knox, or Dad as I’m more comfortable calling him, was born on September 28, 1939 in Buffalo. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1961, and proudly joined the NYSP in 1966. Though married and divorced twice, we all know his true love was the NYSP which he retired from in 1988. In fact, he carried his badge with him at all times (next to his money clip [because banks should never be fully trusted], driver license, social security card, debit and credit cards [with a small sheet of paper with all of the corresponding pin numbers to those debit and credit cards]) until the day he died. His stories from his time on the road include everything from stories of the Attica prison riots to the more subdued (though subdued would not accurately describe his storytelling style). Stories where he was just as likely as, though having to arrest a shoplifter attempting to steal steak from the local Piggly Wiggly, to then buy that man or woman that same steak. Because, as Dad would say, “who steals meat unless they really need it.” Dad’s most defining characteristic would undoubtedly be his love for his children. In fact, it would be the greatest gift he would ever give. How many of us, that if our life stopped suddenly and unexpectedly, would be able to say that all we left behind was a shrine to the love for our children, the Second Amendment, and only the collections of a good and fulfilled man? My guess would be very few. Though Dad loved to repeat a good story, the stories involving his children were by far his favorite. I won’t go into them now because 1) I’m sure most of us have already heard them and 2) he would already hate how long this obituary/love letter already is. Though one story which he missed in this life, though I’m sure saw in the next, was his son, Lt Col Edward R. Knox of the U.S. Air Force, (just Eddie Knox to anyone that knows him and/or has heard countless stories about him from our father), proudly flying a ceremonial flag over the great Smokey Mountains in honor of Dad on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. Dad must have been absolutely beaming with pride and right there next to him in the cockpit the whole time. Dad will be missed daily and forever loved by his children. We are (in alphabetical order) Edward “Eddie” R. Knox, Joshua Knox, Kay Rabe, Kelsey Knox, and Robert Knox. All are welcome to attend Dad's burial in the Veteran’s Field of Honor at Mount View Cemetery in Olean, NY on May 29, 2021, at 1pm. The Rev. Curtis E. MacDonald, of Shinglehouse, will officiate. Full military honors will be accorded by the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post #892 Ritual Team. He will be buried on the same day his son, Eddie Knox, graduated from The United States Air Force Academy. (One of my dad’s proudest moments and again, a story I’m sure we’ve all heard a thousand times). And in the suit he planned on wearing to his youngest son’s wedding (Joshua Knox) which is scheduled for June 25, 2021. The family’s only wish is that, for everyone’s sake, Dad is buried next to like-minded veterans or, preferably, ex-cops. Our deepest condolences go out to any of his new roommates who may share opposing political views. It could be argued that, if that were the case, nobody will be resting in peace in the Mount View Cemetery in Olean, NY (or they’ll just have a lot to talk about). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you buy a drink (preferably a Miller Lite or a “7 and 7”) for the person sitting next to you (or a cup of coffee if that’s more your thing). It’s what Ed Knox would want. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 East State Street, Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com