Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Donald Knapp
Jun 7th, 1931 - Jun 12th, 2026Donald 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. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com