It is with great sadness that the Arkel International Team announces the death of our Founder, Mr. Homer Knost. We have lost a visionary and a creative entrepreneur. Those who were fortunate to know and work with Homer have lost a friend and an inspiring mentor.
Homer died June 11, 2019 at the age of 94. Homer worked in the industrial construction industry starting in 1955 in Baton Rouge and the Mississippi Valley. Arkel entered the international market in 1973.
His professional career spanned over 60 years which took him to 65+ countries throughout the world working with private companies and government entities. Homer was one of the founders of the industrial construction industry in Baton Rouge working in the following areas: industrial engineering, construction, operations management and maintenance within a wide range of diversified projects, including petrochemical, power plants, cogeneration, pulp and paper, and sugar production facilities. He retired in 2001 when he turned over the operation of the company to his son, George H. Knost, III, as President.
Aside from his professional career and family, Homer was happiest at his farm in Clinton, Louisiana and his mountain retreat in Buffalo, Wyoming. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and naturalist. In his later years he enjoyed shooting skeet, quail hunting and entertaining family, friends, and customers at the Clinton farm.
Homer Knost was a man of integrity, honor, and a true gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Dottie, his family and his many friends. He will be truly missed.