Donny,
It's Momma,again.It has been almost eight months,since you left. Cindy and I were prepared for your leaving. But NOW we are living with "you" GONE. It's not the same thing. God let us take this journey with you. Yet,we didn't know how hard it was going to be when "you were gone". Your family and supporters are "still" here for you.
You "were" and "are" so loved. God wanted you back. I get that. You did a lot of good things, while you were here with us. Please help us now that you are with God. We feel your presence in so many ways. Please thank God for us. 
Love, Momma

I just found out about the passing of Donny this weekend.  It was 15 years ago (roughly) since I first met Donny when we were both just starting at Premier. I will always remember the fond memories.  Many prayers for the entire family, and I know Donny will be forever missed by many.

Donny's Eulogy

*Before we begin the eulogy written by Donny's eldest brother, it's important to mention that Donny had an opportunity over the past few weeks to read this. He was very touched and honored and was able to express this to his brother Larry. BUT (in typical Donny style) he wanted to make certain everyone's thoughts were included. So with added family reflections, this is from the heart of his family: 
On the day that you were born the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true.  So, they sprinkled gold dust in your hair and starlight in your eyes of blue.
No more perfect words were written and sung by the Carpenters in the late 70's that describe our beloved Donny. And if you ask his momma, his eyes were so, so blue-you could see in his soul. His momma has told his birth story to all of us many, many times!
So you may be asking yourself, What kind of God would take a son from his parents a brother from his siblings, an uncle, a cousin, a friend, and most of all a perfect husband from his wife?  The answer is easy.  God did not take Donny away from us cancer did. God GAVE us Donny for 46 plus years.  And probably the best gift was the last year.  For it was by His grace and  his and Cindy's herculean effort that afforded us one more Derby, birthday, anniversary, St Louis baseball game, football season, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year to appreciate having him with us.
When thinking about who Donny was five characteristics stand out:
Adoring  Donny didn't like things we worshiped them.  There is no question in our minds that when he was first placed into his mother arms at birth, when he looked up at her he thought WOW! This is my mom?    And we know he treasured her till the end.  Whether it was his father's ethics, his big brother's service to our country, Doc ability to fix anything or kill a rat in two seconds, or Jeff's patience and mentoring Donny let us know how proud he was of us.  There is no question in our hearts that his courageous battle against cancer  an will to live life to the fullest came from his sister's own war against breast cancer, and he looked up to his little brother like he was his big brother because of his free spirit.  But nothing compared to the sparkle in his spectacular blue eyes when he was with Cindy. Our Donny adored us.
Nurturing.  If you really got to know Donny you know that this was one of his greatest attributes. There are few on this earth more genuinely caring than he was.  He always sought to understand before being understood. Long before he married Cindy he accepted Kelsey as if his own and supported her through the trying teenage years when emotions can be confusing.  Donny was there for her, offering her advice to help her through the days.  As a parent might not have been what she wanted at the time but as many as an adult she would testify that it was given from a caring father to his daughter each time.  He was equally caring with his nieces and nephews.  When seeking calm and rationale voice away from their respective parents they chose Uncle Donny.  For they knew he would offer comforting, and more importantly, honest words to sooth them.  Donny Nurtured us.  
 

The next adjective used to describe Donny would be God Loving.  Donny did not live his life fearing that he needed to do good works to earn his way to heaven he live his life out of love for God.  He did not have a manipulative fiber in his body.  If he even tried to lie he would turn beat red.  So he gave up trying at a very early age.  He wasn't given a middle name because his dad didn't have one and mom wanted him to be a Jr.  But if he was to have one honest would be the proper choice.  Though living this somewhat saintly life he remarked in his final days that he was fearful of where he was headed after death.  Donny if you are not going to heaven nobody is.  Our Donny believed and loved our Father In Heaven.
Next up, Emotional.  To say Donny was passionate is a huge understatement.  He never had a normal day in his life. It was either the best day of his life or the worst.   Over the 46 plus years mom probably took 100s of calls from Donny to express the horrors or the joys of his day.   He cried at chick flicks and angered at losing, but he never deflect his emotions on others.  Except that one time he blocked Roger's shot (inside joke).  Our Donny was emotional. 
And the greatest of these Donny was Loving!  Donny deeply loved us all.  His passion for any of us never waned.  Uncle, aunts, cousins, friends made no difference he was always quick with a hug and a hello.  You were guaranteed to get another hug and a Love you when leaving.   He had a special and unique love for each of us and we for him.  His love for his mother was deeper than most.  He sought her counsel, he cherished her so.  He would say that one of the most difficult things over the year was the pain mom was being put through. Which is why he tried to protect from seeing his worse days.  That was Donny, others before himself.  We never thought he could love more until the day he fell for Cindy.  He worshiped and adored her! His greatest loss, by his own admission, is not getting to spend more time with her.   Cindy we have been blessed beyond measure to have you as our daughter and sister.  No other person on this planet could have loved and cared for our and your Donny like you have.  You will always be a member of our family and we will care for you like we do for each other for as long as YOU live.  Our heart breaks more for you than ourselves because Donny gave us his love but he gave you his soul.  Donny was Loving
These five distinct characteristics fit our Donny; Adoring, Nurturing, God Loving, Emotional, and the greatest of these Loving.  A. N. G.E.L.   Angel, that's why we called him Donny Angel.
In closing, we cannot express enough how much all have you have meant to us over this difficult year.  Your love strengthened us and your kindness kept us whole.   We are fracture but we are not broken. We are all here today to remember that God has ended his suffering here on earth and He is welcoming him into Heavenly life. 
We intend to honor Donny's life by doing our best to live the rest of our days the way he would want us to. We welcome you to do the same.
God Bless you all

Donny, 
There are so many things I want to say but I'm not really sure how to say them. I'm thankful for the times we've had together, even though they'll never seem like enough. We have a unique relationship-not like any other-but I don't want you to go a moment without knowing that my love for you is just as much as if you were my biological parent. I think what makes our relationship so unique is how we chose to love one another. You came into my life during my bratty spoiled pre-teen years and still chose to love me like your own. To me, that is beautiful. You've made quite an impact on my life. You've made my family and heart bigger. You've showed me what true love is by seeing the way you are with my mother. You've also shown me courage and strength in the hardest of times. I'd be lying if I didn't say I am truly sad and will always miss you. My world will be a little less without you in it. But I don't want you to be sad or worried because I promise I will be okay. I promise I will be strong, for myself and for my mom. I will stay in school and I will finish. I won't sell myself short. I will live my life to the fullest and I will continue to grow each and every day, knowing there's always a part of you forever in my heart. Thank you for choosing my mom and me. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for coming into my life and giving me a second father figure(not many people are lucky enough to say they have 2 dads). I love you with all my heart. I know you'll be looking down on us. I won't say goodbye, but see you later. So, I'll see you later, pretty boy:). I love you Donny.
Kelsey Newlin
1/16/17-shared with Donny

*From Cindy: Many of you may already know this but when Donny was a younger lad of 12, he thought he could be a rapper. He knew how to "lay down a lyric" (don't know what that means). As he grew older, he, of course, did NOT become a rapper. He did though continue to journal. He wrote his thoughts and poems and yes, the occasional rap song in that journal when I met him, but it was something I only got a glimpse of when he wanted. Donny wrote a poem-a prayer-a couple of months after the diagnosis. He only shared with me (Cindy)a couple of weeks ago and asked me (Cindy)if it was appropriate to share. Of course it is:

Prayer to God

I have created a foundation for my family with rich, firm soil.
But You open the clouds and let the sun lay  on our shoulders.
I have demanded the rain to quench our thirst,
But you make lemonade so we smile when we drink.

I am a man of principle and purpose,
But You give Your love for nothing...
I think of colossal dreams and goals that seem unreachable,
But You give dreams to those that have waited for years,

I think the desert of time is a place to leave your thoughts, 
But You think it's a place to find the answers of life.

You make life an opportunity to achieve.
I don't know what tomorrow brings.
You love all people, no matter their faults.
I try....
But I know for sure I love You.

When you call, you may ask
"Do you know why I came to save you?"

I will answer
"Because I was needed and loved."

Final thoughts written by Donny on 1/30/17 (shared by Cindy)
*Donny wrote this really wanting to recognize the strength, courage, love, and support others have given him, Cindy, and his family through this difficult journey.

January 25, 2016 was a very difficult day. For anyone, getting a cancer diagnosis is devastating, paralyzing. From that moment, I had to dig deeper than I have ever had to before to find strength and courage to go into battle. From that moment, I found I was not alone in this battle. I had an "Army of Warriors" gathering all their strength and courage to fight with me.

This Army reached out to me and my family immediately. From family visits to the hospital, calls from dear friends (old and new), texts and email notes to check in, touch base, let me know I was constantly on your minds and in your prayers. Sisters and friends providing meals for our family during the course of this journey. Through the treatments and side effects, you all kept me connected and feeling some normalcy-tailgating and U of L games, adapted Oaks Day at my house, Bristol races at DOC's, Tuesday softball games, dinner parties with family and friends-the list goes on. There was never a moment I didn't feel enormous love and support from each of you. 

So much shifted for me with this diagnosis. Finding physical and emotional strength for radiation, chemotherapy, surgeries, complications and side effects was tough. Giving up my career was a difficult choice not only because I have always had a strong work ethic, but because it brings on financial worries. Would insurance cover everything? Could we live on one income? Would this take Cindy away from her work too much? Am I leaving financial burdens on my family? 

Again, I immediately was surrounded with support. Jeff and Premier worked to make certain my benefits and will were in order.  My family and friends created an account for Cindy and I to use for medical, bills, or just fun. Cindy's work family gave understanding and flexibility to work remotely so she could be with me during all treatments, hospital stays, and at home with me in the last days. While we were blessed with excellent insurance that covered the medical costs, it was very comforting to know that if we needed anything financially, we were covered. The support and understanding alleviated any financial concerns and allowed me to focus on the battle and precious time I had with all of you. 

I had excellent medical care from doctors, nurses, specialists but also from family and friends in the medical field. If we had a question about medicine, treatments, options, we asked. We researched, consulted, and logged the history. The updates sent were detailed because this Army of Warriors strived to understand. You all celebrated the good moments with me and stepped up when the more difficult times came. This Army took the details and prayed, prayed hard for me and my family. The spiritual love and support gave me the strength and courage to fight for this last year with you. I'd like to believe the spiritual love and support gave all of you strength and courage this year as well. It connects each of you to one another in a very powerful way.  

My final wish is for all of you to continue to reach out and help one another in all the ways you've shown me. Love, support, and pray for one another constantly.

Dear Family & Friends,

It has been two weeks,since my Donny Angel,left for Heaven. Although,I am grieving,I must tell you how comforted, I "was"and "am" about your visitation and  your participation at "The Celebration Of His Life". I do want you to know that as his Momma,he did plan to leave us in "his" own gentle way. This he did! I was there when he was born and I was there when he left.I have thanked God for the privilege of being his Momma. I also thank God for Donny's wonderful wife, Cindy.We miss him terribly. We always will. Thank you for your support,love and presence.

Jeff you and Donny's family are in my thoughts and prayers. Donny was such a great person and he will be missed. 
 Paula Page Catron

There will never be another Donny. I will miss his greeting "J-Money!" everytime we passed each other. Donny never had an unkind word to say about anybody. What an awesome colleague and friend. Rest in the arms of Jesus my friend. .until  we fellowship again. -With all our love

Our heart and prayers go out to you and your family at this time.  So sorry for the loss.

To Lenise and Family.  I was saddened to read of your families lost.  I know you will find comfort in 
God.

You are a great guy and will always be known for that dogger. I'm glad we shared the ball field together for many years

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear Donny:
  Thank you for being you.  Our lives have been touched in ways that we begin to realize as the grief of our loss settles in.  Your endurance and determination over the last year gave us strength just knowing what you were going through .  You fought a battle at such a young age with courage and Cindy,that wonderful lady and love of your life, by your side every step of the way.
  We, your family, and no doubt the many friends that you made in the course of your life will miss you terribly. Your smiles, your sense of humor, your devotion and your love are in our hearts.  We will take care of each other and be there for one another, even better than before, to honor you.  Yes, I said honor!  You deserve honor for being a great person without reservation.
So again, I say thank you, for touching my life especially and leaving me with a resolve to stay close to all our loved ones no matter how many miles there are between us.  

Love you,
Susan

I hold the deepest sympathies in my heart for all members of  The Knight family. Donny's smile and good heart will never fade from my memories. My family and I have and will always hold a special place in our hearts for him. He truly was a great soul. An angel that walked amongst us.  Prayers, Strength & Love. God Bless

Our thoughts, sympathies and prayers are with the Knight family. I know Donny will be so greatly missed.

I'm so sorry to hear the loss of Donnie He sure was the sweetest and kind hearted with every step he took towards life. My heart goes out to the family... God Bless

Cindy,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.

Cindy, 

My heart breaks for you, Kels, and Donny's family. All of you are in our thoughts and hearts.  May the wonderful years you shared and memories you made bring you comfort.

Love,
Ashley, Drew, Hannah, Duncan, and Greer

I lit a candle for you weekly and hoped and prayed for you to find peace and comfort . God bless you. Love Vicki and Steve

Thoughts and prayers to the Knight family.  My deepest condolences for your loss.

Cindy, Aunt Martha, Uncle Shubby, Larry (Lenise), Doc (Louise), Jeff (Kelly), Nancy (Geoff), Greg (Brittney) - I cannot even began to imagine what it feels like to lose a husband, a child or a sibling. I do know that Donny was very brave and took on this cancer battle with a vengeance. I was convinced that if anyone could do it, he could. Cancer won out this time because he was needed elsewhere to spread his love and kindness for others. Donny, I miss you already and will always love you.  Your cuz and niece, Lee Ann

May the thoughts and prayers of many friends and family give you comfort and may knowing Donnie is with HIM give you peace.  My prayers have been with all of you daily.

Cindy, I love this picture.  You two really did become "one flesh" when you married.  You have always been there for each other and all of your families and friends.  It's so sad that you didn't get to have many more years together.  However, it is a blessing that Donny can, now, rest in peace.  He has earned his reward.  He  worked so hard to stay with all of those who loved him so much and always will.  We loved him for that too.  
God bless both of you. 

Aunt Barbara

My heartfelt sympathy to all the Knight family.  My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.  I hope your wonderful memories with Donny bring you some comfort.

Cindy, So sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

My sincerest condolences to the family for your great loss.  Jude 1: 20, 21

Cindy my thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Knight family.  I know he loved you dearly and was a great man.  He is a beautiful angel watching from above.

I know my granddaughter, Kelsey, thought a lot of Donnie.  She had grown up with him in her life.  My sincere sympathy to Cindy and Kelsey.

So greatly sorry for your loss.  There are no easy words or answers.   Thoughts of love being sent to the family.

Doc and Louise:

So sorry for the loss of your beloved brother, Donny. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family. May the love of family and friends comfort you during this difficult time. God bless and keep the faith! He will be deeply missed!

Steve and Grace Gallo

Praying for you and your family during this difficult time.

So sorry for your loss.  The Knight family and friends are in our prayers

You are and will always be missed. I will miss your smile and making you laugh. We are fractured but not broken. I promised you we will stay a tight and loving family. WE WILL!  Love you forever. Lars

We are praying for all of you that your wonderful memories of Donny will help you through the coming days.  God bless you all.

OBITUARY

Donald Dogger "Donny" Knight Jr.

30 August, 1970 – 26 February, 2017

Arch L. Heady at Resthaven & Resthaven Memorial Park

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