Donald McNitt

Don was born and raised in Long Beach, CA. At a young age he started working and took on steady employment in the oilfields. He was a hard worker his entire life and always provided for his family. in 1965, he transferred with Shell Oil Company to Bakersfield, CA. He retired in Bakersfield after 30 plus years with Shell. He continued to stay busy working around the home and taking care of family. In 2019 he moved to Temecula, CA, to be near his daughter, Cindy. He always loved Bakersfield and to him that was always his home.

Don was married to Loretta G. McNitt for 62 years. Together they shared the love of camping, fishing, their church group, and in later years going to the casino.

He was a dedicated father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. At family gatherings he was always the center of attention as he told stories of his youth and the oilfields. He is survived by his daughter Cindy Knapp and son-in-law Michael Knapp; his granddaughters Ashley Heydet and Lindsey James Hoffman and their spouses Robert Heydet and Andrew Hoffman; great-grandchildren Bob and Blake Heydet. He was a beloved brother to Victoria Sutherlin who always liked to talk about her brother’s cowboy boots.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mabel and Leo McNitt, his sisters Jackie Veal and Carmen VanHooser; his loving wife Loretta and his son Donald C. McNitt.

Don was a hardworking, honorable man. He helped many people when they needed assistance. He lived his life true to his beliefs and taught many life lessons to his family. He was a special father and man. He will be missed.