William "Doug" Douglas McKnight

William Douglas McKnight, “Doug” to those who knew and loved him, was born July 3, 1945, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to parents Dorothy Ellen and James William McKnight and he passed away October 27, 2025. His parents and older brother, Steve, precede him in death. Doug is survived by his beloved wife and companion of 41 years, Jo, son Cory (Anne) McKnight, daughter Angee (Brent) Grogan, and grandchildren, Colin and Gavin McKnight, and Abbey and Drew Grogan.

As a Unitarian minister’s son, Doug grew up moving around the country. He started school in Mt. Pleasant and then Mitchellville, Iowa. From there his family relocated to Albuquerque, NM, for Doug’s third grade year. Next were often mentioned memories of living in Hutchinson, Kansas, when he experienced an unforgettable wilderness Camp Pawnee -feeling part Native American Indian, after interacting with local tribes people. The next move would lead West to Santa Paula and then Ventura, California, where Doug enjoyed surfing and the music of the Beach Boys. His brother Steve was his constant best friend, and the two loved being in the high school band together. Other high school adventures included a summer of bailing hay and riding bareback in Montana, loving the daily work of farming with his Iowa cousins, and climbing Mt. Whitney during a two week camp. After a few years, Rev. McKnight threw a curve ball accepting a position in the small town of Concord, Michigan, for Doug’s senior year of high school. The budding adult Doug was not excited about this move, and yet undoubtedly, it led him to lifelong friends and opportunities he cherished the rest of his life. He was nicknamed the “California Kid” as he walked into the K-12 school in his white Levis. Doug set school records in Track, starred in the school play, played ice hockey, and enjoyed nature’s wonderland.

He would go on to run at Jackson Jr. College, and finished college at Western Michigan University, where he was a proud member of TKE fraternity. After graduation, he drove his treasured ‘65 red convertible Corvette to Yosemite National Park to work for the summer (he highly recommends), and learned how to play guitar. He married Barb Bennett in 1969, the same year he was drafted into the US Army. He completed Officers Candidate School in Infantry and Airborne at Ft. Benning, Georgia in 1970, and was stationed in Worms and then Heidelberg, Germany, where Doug braved many adventures, including skiing the Alps. He was promoted to First Lieutenant, and Dad, when son Cory was born July, 1971. The young family returned to Indiana, and Doug completed a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at Ball State University. Daughter Angee was born December, 1973. Doug took a job with Vocational Rehabilitation with FSSA, and received a promotion to be Regional Manager in Indianapolis. Doug loved his work, and championed Supportive Employment, helping persons with disabilities find and keep jobs with this unique counseling based model.

Doug returned to running, aiming for longer distances. He joined Indy Runners, and was an early and active member. He thrived meeting new friends and competing in various road races throughout Indiana, sometimes with young Angee in tow. He led Mini-Marathon training groups for years. He raced triathlons, marathons, and battled the nearly 6-hour Muncie Endurathon. Words can’t describe how much Doug loved running, but it was August of 1984, as a newly single dad, when racing would introduce him to the love of his life, Jo Longest, at the IUPUI Track & Field Stadium. Doug and Jo fell deeply in love, and married October 11, 1986. In addition to running, they developed a passion for restoring and beautifying older houses sympathetic to the character of the home and its history. Some of the very best years of his life came when they rescued a Lake Webster cottage with a huge yard and under old oak trees, which affectionately became known as Cozy Oaks. It was the family’s heart and soul for recreation, and Doug entertained many guests with his wonderful talent of singing and strumming favorite tunes on his guitar. He taught and inspired his kids and many of their friends to water ski, run around the lake, play croquet on the big lawn, enjoy the amazing sunsets and the crackling of a bonfire. He often started the day playing Reveille and ended with Taps on the trumpet. Doug once even escaped death, falling through the ice on a snowmobile, fortunately coming up in the hole and somehow getting himself and the driver out!

Doug retired from the State, and enjoyed several “fun” years in his counseling position at Aspire of Indiana. He and Jo would start a new chapter of water living at Geist Reservoir in 2006, featuring Tuna, the mighty pontoon, and he as Captain, pulling four screaming grandchildren at the same time. Doug’s passion for his Harley Davidson occupied many hours, cruising solo through winding country roads and feeling grateful in his life. Throughout Doug’s life, he was a student of nature and impressed upon his kids the importance of knowing and appreciating trees, even in his final years nurturing seedlings at home and in his neighborhood. Despite the physical challenges in his later years, he courageously remained positive and appreciated every day. When diagnosed with cancer less than two months ago, his response was “Well, I made it to 80 and what a fantastic life I have had.” He teased that he would now know “The Secret” of the afterlife!

He deeply loved and was so proud of his grandchildren Colin, Abbey, Gavin, and Drew, seeing the goodness in their hearts and his same values living on within them.

Doug looked forward to reuniting with his mom, dad, brother, and Scottish ancestors. He plans to make his way to Boot Key Harbor in the Florida Keys, where he has said he’ll be hanging out while waiting for Jo to join him. His loyal dog Leo will be excited to head out for long runs with him again!

A private service remembering Doug will take place at Highland Cemetery in Fishers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, or simply plant a tree of your own.