Robert A. McKnight

Robert A. McKnight, 72, of Dublin, passed away June 20, 2015. He was a graduate of Upper Arlington High School, '61, Miami University, and The Ohio State University (BA and MA). Member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Delta Chi, and Kappa Tau Alpha Honorary. He worked for the Office of University Relations, Varsity Club, and the Ohio Republican Party. He was former President of Columbus Air Conditioning Corp., Faith Mission, and COO of Central Ohio Scottish Rite Masons. Active in many organizations: Pilot Dogs, Inc. (President, life member); Community Lodge, F and AM; Community Chapter, RAM; Columbus Council, R and SM; Mt. Vernon Commandery, KT; Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus (33rd Degree); Aladdin Temple Shrine (Ambassador); Red Cross of Constantine; Royal Order of Scotland; UA Civic Assn. (Director, life member); UA Bicentennial Committee (Chairman); Northwest Sertoma (Honor President); Columbus Rotary; The Arlington Club (Governor); East Dublin Civic Assn. (President); Executives Club (Director); Young Business Men's Club; Scioto Country Club; and the Ohio Archaeological Assn. He was a 6-gallon blood donor, Kentucky Colonel, past president of the Central Ohio Air Conditioning Contractors and the Carrier Midwest Dealer Council, and a 30 year Board member of the Better Business Bureau. He joined Upper Arlington Lutheran Church in 1980 and had a life-changing experience at the Columbus Cursillo (Cum Christo) in 1984. He served three terms on the Secretariat of Cursillo, enjoyed numerous activities with his church, including the Mission Strategy, Alpha Ministry, and New Member committees, and for 11 years volunteered with the Kairos Prison Ministry at Marion and Ross Correctional Institutions, including weekend leader and Chairman of the Marion Advisory Council. Preceded in death by his parents L. Allen and Mildred McKnight. Survivors include Jackee, his loving wife of 48 ½ years; sisters-in-law Debbie (Todd) Grant and Barbara Estes; cousins Monette Grossman, Don Lavely, Tom (Karen) Howell, Julie (Dave) Flay, Steve (Audrey) Grossman, Cathy (Steve) Critser, Mike (Cindy) Lavely, Jerry (Sue) Keys; nieces Tracey (Jay) Graham, Jerilee Lester, nephews Charles and Scott Kellar, Patric Estes; and many grandnieces, grandnephews, friends. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2015 at UA Lutheran Church, 2300 Lytham Road, Upper Arlington, where family will receive friends 9-11 a.m. Pastor Eric Waters officiating. Interment at Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to UA Lutheran Church, Kairos Prison Ministry, Cum Christo, Pilot Dogs, or charity of your choice. Arrangements by Schoedinger Northwest Chapel. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to send condolences and share memories.