Donald Lee McKnight's Obituary
Donald Lee McKnight, age 82, has gone to rest following a series of illnesses. Don was born April 28, 1929 and has lived in Alliance his entire life. He was a member of Regina Coeli Catholic Church, Christopher Columbus Lodge and a past president of the Northern Ohio Racing Association. He was an avid fan of The Mount Union Purple Raiders and The Cleveland Indians. Don leaves his wife of 59 years, Eva (Mancini) McKnight of Canterbury Villa; his son Joel McKnight of Alliance; his daughters Roselea K. Smith (spouse Timothy) of Alliance and Shelley Ciban (spouse Mercia) of Alliance; Marge Russell of Louisville; brother George McKnight (spouse Vi) of Limaville; sister Florence Engle (spouse Dick) of Alliance. Grandchildren: Mrs. Angela Green (spouse Mike), Stephanie McKnight, Jessica Smith, Teresa Smith, Michele Ciban, and Nicholas Ciban. Great-grandchildren: Emmalee Green and Garrett Green. Preceding in death by his brother Charles McKnight, godfather James Bondoni, sister Louella Bara, granddaughter Christina Smith, brother Clearance McKnight, sister Harriet Stump, father Clearance McKnight and mother Lulu (Kessler) McKnight. Starting at a very young age, Don was no stranger to work. Doing odd jobs to help support his brothers and sisters, he then gained employment at 555 East Main Street, known as Wayne Sutherin s Service. He then partnered with Richard Ball and the station became known as Don and Dick s American Service. Later it was simply Don s Amoco. Don was still working, alongside his son, as of Oct. 12th 2011 at 555 East Main Street currently known as Joel s Garage. A well-known passion of his was the power of a fast running car. Whether it would be the NASCAR races or his own experiences with "The Flying 8", racing was in his blood. Don was building stock cars in his early 20 s with driver and Best Man at his wedding, George Willard. He continued to race, partnering with Dan Simmons, Herb Fannin and his son, Joel McKnight who still races in the No. 8 car. Don had a love for people of all walks of life which filled his heart. There were few who were greeted without hearing one of his amazing stories. He was well loved in the city of Alliance, a generous man who would often stretch his own dollar to help others repair their cars so that they were able to support their own families. His humor, generosity and passion for life will be missed by many. Memorial Mass will be held at Regina Coeli Catholic Church on Saturday Jan. 7, 2012 at 12 p.m. We will gather in the Parrish Hall following services.
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