Donald (Donnie) Knott

PALESTINE—Donald (Donnie) Knott, 72, of Palestine passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at The Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, surrounded by family.

He was born Aug. 31, 1952, in Cameron, the son of D.C. and Hattie Knott.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Janice (Dickie) Thompson Knott of Palestine; daughter Amy and son-in-law Jon McGuire of Palestine; daughter Chrislie Knott of Palestine; brother David and sister-in-law Jane Knott of Rockdale; sister Glenda Walker of Round Rock; grandchildren Landry, Nathan, and Ross Langley, Karly, Gavin, and Chloe McGuire.

Donnie never met a stranger in life. He loved to tell stories, laugh, host parties, barbecue, and spend time with his family.

He was a loyal friend as evident by the friends he has kept from childhood, college, his softball days, work, YMCA workout buddies, throughout the community and church.

Donnie loved sports and could remember every stat there was.

He worked for Windham School District for 38 years as a teacher and had a strong dedication and work ethic. His passion for being a teacher and the bond he shared with his co-workers made this a perfect for him.

He coached numerous sports teams for kids and adults, as well as played basketball, baseball, football and tennis.

His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he could be seen at every single event they had from dance recitals, graduations, at the fields or golf course and everything in between.

When the weather was nice, he would most definitely be riding around town with the top down in his red Volkswagen Beetle.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Herrington Land of Memory Funeral Home in Palestine.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at the First Christian Church in Palestine.

In lieu of flowers, we have picked some places that were very near and dear to Donnie, and we would be more than honored if you donated to the following in his name: Meals on Wheels, Palestine; Palestine YMCA; First Christian Church, Palestine; Shriner Children’s Burn Center, Galveston (where Donnie was treated and lived for several years in his early childhood).