« Return to Obituaries | Print
Jun 7th, 1931 - Jun 12th, 2026Graveside Ceremony: 3 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2026, at Elmwood Cemetery in Flora
Donald Ray Knapp, age 95, of New Palestine, Indiana, formerly of Wayne County, Illinois, passed away Friday morning, June 12, 2026, in New Palestine.
Donald was born June 7, 1931, in East St. Louis, Illinois, the son of Arthur R. Knapp and Beatrice L. (Tenney) Knapp. He was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Beckwith in 1956, and together they were blessed with 69 years of marriage.
Donald graduated from Belleville High School in Belleville, Illinois, and went on to attend Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri. While there he completed the United States Marine Corps PLC Program. He later served on active duty for several years with the United States Marine Corps, 3rd Marine Division, stationed in Japan, and further served as a reservist until 1962.
Donald worked for five years at the St. Louis National Stock Yards prior to beginning a 36-year career as a grain and livestock farmer in Wayne County, Illinois. He served on the Flora School Board for 12 years, and was a member of Cisne Rotary Club, Olney Toastmaster Club, and Rinard Ruritan Club, where he served as Auditor.
After fully retiring in 2018, Donald and Mary Ellen enjoyed time at Schalamar Creek Golf Community in Lakeland, Florida, where they had moved in 2002. In 2024, they moved to New Palestine, Indiana.
Donald is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Knapp of New Palestine, Indiana; a daughter: Linda Dugger and husband Doug of New Palestine, Indiana; 2 sons: Donald “Rusty” Knapp Jr. of Greenfield, Indiana, and David Knapp and wife Chriselda “Chris” of San Antonio, Texas; 3 grandchildren: Allison Davis and husband Phillip of Fairland, Indiana, Doug “D.J.” Dugger Jr. of McCordsville, Indiana, and Travis Knapp and wife Tyla of Flora, Illinois; 6 great-grandchildren: Alexis “Lexi” Lawley of Fairland, Indiana, Elli Davis of Greenfield, Indiana, Brantlee Davis of Fairland, Indiana, Conlee Davis of Fairland, Indiana, Adley Knapp of Flora, Illinois, and Zuri Knapp of Flora, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Arthur E. Knapp and Calvin R. Knapp; and sister: Mary T. Biggerstaff.
A graveside ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2026, at Elmwood Cemetery in Flora. Military funeral honors will be presented.
Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to the American Heart Association or Flora First Methodist Church, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Jun 14, 1962 - Jul 31, 2026
Feb 20, 1960 - Jul 27, 2026
Nov 20, 1958 - Jul 26, 2026
Oct 29, 1970 - Jul 25, 2026
Oct 28, 1946 - Jun 17, 2026
A kind,wonderful man. Many good memories of time spent with his family
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was a mans- man. Although I did know him well, what I did know and saw he led by example. No words necessarily. Thinking of you all in such a hard time.
Mary Ellen and Family: We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with y’all during this sad time.
spent a lotta time on te knapp frams in the rinard area and went to school with all you kids,he allways had helping hands and was well liked by everyone,sorry for your loss and yes he will be missed but he lived a good life for sure
We are so sorry for your loss, Linda, Rusty and David. You are in our prayers. My mom Rita Taylor also sends her condolences 🙏
He was a great man. I grew up in Rinard with his daughter Linda so I went to there house many times. So sorry for your loss.
David- Rusty- Linda I remember when your Dad always called we Westin, he also taught me how to breathe when I was shouting a free throws. Rest in peace Mr. Knapp .
Mary Ellen, I am so sorry for your loss. I will have you in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Ellen, Linda, Rusty and David: You’re in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Rest in Peace Don Knapp🕊️
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Our prayers are with you and Doug as you deal with his passing.
Mary Ellen and Family: We're so sorry for your loss. We hope and pray your happy memories with Don will help all of you through this difficult time.
Mrs. Knapp, I think of you often. Sorry to hear this. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I will miss Don very much. He was like a second father to me. I spent over ten years of my early life working with Don on our family farms. For many years he and Mary Ellen would welcome every member of our large extended family into their home for many holiday celebrations. My memory of those events will never fade. I wish my best to Mary Ellen, Linda, 'Rusty and David.
Mary Ellen…so sorry to learn of Don’s passing! May God bless you as you cope with this great loss.
Aunt Mary Ellen, Linda, Rusty, David: I am sorry for your recent loss. You and your families all have been in my thoughts during this difficult time. With love, Julie knapp (Greg Knapp daughter)
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
