Julius Franklin Knebel passed from this life on December 31, 2012 after a brave struggle with brain cancer. He was born December 7, 1929 in Harlingen to Herman and Fannie Yarborough Knebel. While attending Southwest Texas State College, he met and married his wife of 59 years, Nell Rose Afflerbach. Their family includes two daughters, Nancy Harding of Montgomery and Julie Craven of League City, sons-in-law, Jerry Harding Jr. and Jackson Craven, and two granddaughters, Mindy and Kristy Harding.

Julius spent his life working in different areas of education. He began his career as a junior high history teacher in Pasadena. From that point on, his career took many different paths from high school teacher, to junior college teacher, to other positions in educational administration. He then obtained his Doctorate of Education degree from University of Houston and taught at University of Houston at Clear Lake City. He ended his career in education by returning to Pasadena ISD as director of secondary curriculum.

He was an avid reader and interested in many topics. After retirement, he and Nell spent many years living in the country near Cuero. Here, he began writing a column, "The Outdoor Scene", for The Cuero Record. He was always interested in hunting and fishing. This gave him the opportunity to pursue his enjoyment of the outdoors. During this retirement time, he also wanted to gain a better understanding of God and the Bible. He participated in the S.A.M. program associated with the Lutheran Church.

A memorial service honoring Julius Knebel will be held at Zion Lutheran Church of Arneckeville on January 5, 2013 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Zion Lutheran Elevator Fund or to Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Houston.

Freund Funeral Home, 361.275.2343.