John "Papaw" Mcknight

John Phillip “Papaw” McKnight, 78, of Indianapolis, passed away surrounded by his loving family on December 13, 2018.

He was born October 6, 1940 to Earl and Emmabell McKnight. John served in the US Army. He worked with his brothers roofing, drove a cab, and worked forty years for Ford Motor Company in Indianapolis. He was proud to have earned a gold badge working fifty-two years on the safety patrol at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. An avid sports fan, he played league volleyball and softball when he was younger. He loved bowling on leagues and could have played professionally but wanted to dedicate his time to his family.

He was very giving and always cared for others playing Santa at UAW parties, as well as chairing Toys for Tots. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor but most of all for his unconditional love of his family.

He is survived by: his wife, of 38 years Connie Sue McKnight; children Ruth Evelyn Foust, Stacy McKnight, Donald McKnight, Donna Pinkston, Brian Gwaltney, Tammy Campbell, and Alixia McKnight; grandchildren Katie Allen, James Foust, Amanda McKnight, Dustin Chavez, Bridgette Hodges, Ashley Riddle, Brianna Campbell, Abby McKnight, Emily McKnight, Dionna Pinkston, Josh Campbell, Katrina Pinkston, Mackenzie Gwaltney, Jesse Gwaltney; great-grandchildren Matthew Allen, Jonathan Foust, Nathaniel Foust, Madelyn Allen, Cortez Jenkins, Jacob Foust, Mario Jenkins, Sophia Allen, Julian Allen, Remy Hodges, Tatum Veach, Hayden Campbell, Whitman Hodges, Amoura Riddle; brothers Gilbert and Donald McKnight.

A Memorial Service will be held at Otterbein Methodist Church, 5009 E 21^st St Indianapolis, IN on Wednesday December 19, 2018. Calling hours are from 1:00-3:00 pm; the Memorial service is at 3:00 pm followed by an informal reception in the church fellowship hall until 5:30pm.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Toys for Tots.

Any questions can be directed to the family via Evelyn Foust at [email protected] or 765-810-7048.