Charles Robert McKnight's Obituary
Charles Robert McKnight passed away at sunset—his favorite time of day—on December 8 in Dallas, Texas at the age of 88. He was a lifelong Dallas resident, born to Charles and Lucille (Stipp) McKnight on September 1, 1932 and raised in the Lakewood area when it was literally on the edge of town. Charles graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School at the age of 16, then attended Austin College in Sherman. It was there that he met Marilynn Slate, who would later become his wife of 65 years. After graduation from college with a degree in accounting, he served as a General Supply Specialist in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 during the Korean War. He was stationed in Incheon and Pusan, South Korea. Upon discharge, Charles returned to Dallas and worked briefly for Liberty Mutual before beginning his career of 31 years as a Royalty Disbursements Manager for Sun Oil Company. He retired in 1988.
Charles was a man of great faith and a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church (FPC). Only two other churchgoers have been members longer. His years of service at FPC included many roles: adult Sunday school teacher, Chairman of the Board of Deacons, and Chairman of the First Presbyterian Church Foundation. He was also a reading tutor at Wallace Elementary School and an adult literacy teacher for Literacy Instruction for Texas (LIFT). In his spare time, Charles enjoyed woodworking, dining with the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out), vacations in Colorado, and road trips throughout the United States with his wife, Marilynn.
Charles will be remembered for his ready (and loud) laugh, his lively storytelling, and for his devotion to his family, particularly to his wife. His performances as “Mr. McKmagic” at birthday parties for his daughters and grandchildren are the source of many fond memories.
Charles is survived by his wife, Marilynn (Slate) McKnight; his 3 daughters Mary Lynn [Roger] Smith of Tyler, TX, Martha [Philip] Jagucki of Westerville, OH, and Amy McKnight [Michael Fennig] of Dallas; by grandchildren Jake and Mika Smith and Austin and Owen Jagucki; by sisters-in-law Margery McKnight, Patricia Bauer-Slate, and Phoebe Hicks; by brother-in-law Fletcher Hicks; and by 7 nieces and nephews. His is preceded in death by his parents, his brother James McKnight of Evergreen, Colorado, and brother-in-law Joseph Slate.
Charles will be interred at DFW National Cemetery on December 22 at a graveside ceremony for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the First Presbyterian Church Foundation (fpcdallas.org/foundation or 1835 Young Street, Dallas, TX 75201)
What’s your fondest memory of Charles?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charles?
Share a story where Charles' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charles you’ll never forget.
How did Charles make you smile?
