CASSOPOLIS — Cass County Board of Commissioners paid tribute April 19 to the 44 years of service of Robert Miller Knox, the county’s medical examiner.

Cass County Medical Examiner Robert Knox was honored for his 44 years in the position at the Board of Commissioners meeting Thursday night. He is pictured with two of his children, son Robert, and daughter Debby. He and his wife, Doris, also have a daughter, Lisa, in school.

“It is with deep appreciation for the hard work, dedication and professionalism that Dr. Robert Miller Knox has put forth on behalf of the people of Cass County that we offer this expression of our thanks and best wishes.

“As the people of Cass County recognize the loyalty and devotion to public service of this conscientious individual, we add our sentiments of gratitude for a job well done,” states a legislative tribute signed by state Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, and state Rep. Matt Lori, R-Constantine.

A lifelong resident of southwest Michigan, Knox was born on Nov. 9, 1930, in Battle Creek.

After graduating from Andrews University with a degree in chemistry, Knox met Doris Wilson and they married in 1953.

Knox then went on to pursue a degree in medicine from the Chicago School of Osteopathy.

Following graduation, he and his wife settled in Edwardsburg, where they opened a family practice in 1958 and raised their three children, Debby, Bob and Lisa.

In 1968, Knox was elected Cass County coroner, later to become medical examiner, a position he has held for 44 years.

Knox has been working in the public arena during an era of great change.

Limited funds and changing expectations have combined to make the recent past a challenging time to be the county medical examiner.

Knox has been able to meet this challenge with enthusiasm and a genuine interest in efficiency in public service.

This has been deeply appreciated, both by citizens and organizations in Cass County that have benefited directly from his work as well as other public servants who have witnessed this fine example.

There can be little doubt that the record of Dr. Robert Miller Knox in his responsibilities as medical examiner of Cass County over the past 44 years is second to none. Dr. Knox has filled this challenging position with the highest standards of compassion and commitment to justice.