Donald Lewis Knapp

He was born in Battle Creek, Michigan to the late Grace & Leo Knapp, and grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Don attended the University of Michigan. While at Michigan, he was drafted into the Korean War where he served for 2 years. Don then returned to the University where he completed his B.S. in Civil Engineering. After receiving his Professional Engineering license, he opened his own engineering and surveying business.

He was very proud of the fact that he designed 6 bridges that cross I-75 in Michigan and that they are still functional. He was a member and President of the Lions Club in Birmingham, Michigan. He moved to Palm Beach Gardens in 1980, where he worked as a Director of Engineering Services for Palm Beach County. Later he moved to Clearwater, Florida where he worked for Pinellas County and the City of St. Petersburg as an engineer until he retired in 1999.

Don loved baseball and fishing. For many years he flew his son Clark along with friends to a remote island in Canada for a week's worth of fishing. As he got older his hobbies included Jeopardy, bowling and playing poker with the "boys."

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Betsi" Lewis Knapp; his children, Clark (Cheryl) Knapp, Kelly Knapp, and Andrew Knapp; grandchildren, Clark Svet, Kristen Knapp, Pearson Knapp; many extended family members and friends.

Don was predeceased by his daughter, Lee Svet and brother, Norman T. Knapp.

A visitation will be held from 12pm until the service at 1pm on Monday, August 26, 2024 at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759.

Don will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 1:30pm, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Don’s memory to the Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760.