Gordon was born May 2, 1942 to John Michael and Virginia (Ballman) Knecht. He attended Rich Township High School in Park Forest, Illinois until 1959 and graduated from Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati in 1960. He attended the University of Cincinnati from September 1960 to June 1961.
Gordon joined the Cincinnati Police Division as a Police Cadet on September 11, 1961. He served in Central Station (City Jail in City Hall), Identification Section (City Hall), District 1 (310 Lincoln Park Drive), and Station X (Police Communications at 1430 Martin Drive). He was appointed one of 51 Police Recruits on March 23, 1964 and graduated June 27, 1965 as Class Valedictorian. He was issued Badge 316 and assigned to District 1. On June 27, 1965, Officer Knecht was rotated to District 4 (7017 Vine Street). By the end of 1966, he earned a very high performance evaluation. However, in 1967, he was diagnosed with a malady that required him to leave law enforcement. On July 27th, Officer Knecht toøok a demotion and transferred to the Cincinnati Water Works as a Water Meter Reader.
Officer Knecht died Saturday, April 22, 2023, peacefully at his residence amidst family, ten days prior to his 81st birthday.
He was predeceased by his brother, Paul (Donna) Knecht. Officer Knecht is survived by his wife, Judi (Huber) Knecht; children, Chris (Gina) Knecht, Gina (Howie) Knecht, Joe (Shirley) Knecht, and Paul (Jane) Knecht; siblings, Jackie (Bob) Saxer, Mark (Sharon) Knecht, and Matt (Bev) Knecht.
Visitation and a Mass of Christian Burial were held Thursday, April 27, 2023, at St. Pius X Church. He is buried at St. Mary Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center, 1 Medical Village Drive, Edgewood, KY 41017.
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