Donald Wayne McKnight

Donald Wayne McKnight passed away peacefully on Friday June 26, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born December 16, 1952, in Rayville, Louisiana on a family-owned dairy farm. Donald was the son of Norman and Ella McKnight. He was the youngest of their four children: Gail Lowery (Ted), Sue Douglas (Jimmy), and Fraulene McKnight (Carolyn).

Donald graduated from Rayville High School in 1972. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Northeast Louisiana University in 1977 before graduating from LSU Law School in 1980. Following law school, he moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he served as a law clerk for the 14th Judicial District Court. He began his distinguished legal career with Raleigh Newman before spending many cherished years practicing personal injury law with Hoffoss & Devall.

While Donald was deeply committed to his profession, his greatest pride and joy was his family. He shared nearly forty-four wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife and soulmate, Sharon LaDonna McKnight. Together they built a life centered on love, family, friendship, and service to their community.

He was a devoted father to his eldest son, Andy McKnight, and wife Tabetha Boyajian; daughter, Whitney Leger, and husband Donavan; and youngest son, Norman McKnight. He was a proud and loving Granddaddy to Blair Henry, Morgan Henry, Emmitt Leger, Jude Mazingue, and Cassidy Mazingue. Donald's love extended far beyond his immediate family. He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and generations of great nieces and nephews, all of whom hold a special place in his heart. He also leaves behind his faithful companion, Mary Lou, who rarely left his side, as well as his beloved cats, Black Cat, Mortisha, and Cara Mia.

Donald treasured every moment spent with his family and celebrated each of their accomplishments with immense pride. He was never far from LaDonna's side, sharing with her a lifetime of adventures, hobbies, and community endeavors. He was known for his love of music, dedication to the arts, and unwavering commitment to the Lake Charles community.

For many years, Donald served the McNeese Banners Series, where he worked backstage alongside LaDonna to help bring performances to life. He was also the longtime photographer for the Banners Series, generously sharing his talent and capturing countless memorable moments for the organization. He served on the Louisiana Blues Hall of Fame Board during the 1990s and dedicated countless hours to organizations that enriched the Southwest Louisiana community, including the Kiwanis Club of Lake Charles, Lake Charles Civic Ballet, South Lake Charles Little League, the Blues & Zydeco Festival, and Rouge et Blanc. He participated in the Foreign Movie Club, Culture Fest, and Great Discussion Group. Whether in the courtroom, the community, or the stands at a ballgame, Donald could always be found supporting those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman, and Ella McKnight; his brother, Fraulene McKnight; his brothers-in-law, Ted Lowery, and Jimmy Douglas; and his father-in-law Raymond Cheeks Fontenot.

A Celebration of Life honoring Donald will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Contraband Room of the Lake Charles Event Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who offered prayers, support, and care throughout Donald's illness. They are especially grateful to the physicians, nurses, and staff of MD Anderson Cancer Center and Heart of Hospice for the exceptional compassion, comfort, and care they provided during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Banners Program at McNeese State University. Donations may be arranged through Brooke Hanaman, P.O. Box 90215, Lake Charles, LA 70609, or by calling (337) 475-5123.

Memorial gifts may also be made to support Esophageal Cancer Research at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Contributions may be mailed to P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486, or made online at MDAnderson.org/Gifts.

Donald will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. His legacy of devotion to family, service to others, and love for his community will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.