L. Donald McKnatt

L. Donald McKnatt, 90, of Harrington, DE passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter on Friday, September 3, 2021. Donald was born in Harrington, DE the son of the late Reginald and Blanche (Brown) McKnatt. He was a graduate of Harrington High School class of 1949. After high school, Donald enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving during the Korean War and was stationed in Maryland and Japan. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he attended and graduated from Eckels College of Mortuary Science, Philadephia, PA. Donald became a licensed funeral director in the State of Delaware. He owned and operated McKnatt Funeral Home serving Harrington and the surrounding communities for many years. In 2000, Donald and Carroll sold the funeral home, but he continued to be active in the business until fully retiring in 2016. 

Donald was very active in the Harrington community. He was a lifetime member of Harrington Fire Company where he was a Past President and Ambulance Secretary; a member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Harrington where he taught Sunday School, was Sunday School Superintendent, was a member of the Methodist Men, sang in the choirs and played in the handbell choir; was a life member of V.F.W. Post # 7478 in Greenwood; Life member of the C.K.R.T. American Legion Post #7 in Harrington; a life member of the Harrington Moose Lodge # 534; a life member of the Harrington Lions Club where he was a Past President and a recipient of the Melvin Joseph Award. Donald was a Mason and member of Temple Lodge #9 in Milford; a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary; a Charter Member of the Band Boosters at Lake Forest High School; a member of the Harrington Historical Society, the Delaware Funeral Directors Association where he was Past Treasurer, a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the DelMarVa Funeral Directors Association where he was Past President. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years M. Carroll McKnatt in June 2021. He is survived by 5 daughters Emily Dreshfield (Bill), Deborah Scanlan, Lou Ann Stratton, Kathy Kennard, and Becky Gulledge; 6 grandchildren Melissa Dreshfield, Robert Stratton, J.D. Kennard, Julie Williams, Michael Ford, and Kenny Gulledge; 5 great grandchildren Sara Ford, Alyssa Kennard, Max Lomax, Madison Lomax, and Brenda Lomax.

A viewing will be held from 6 to 9 pm on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at the McKnatt, Carpenter & Baker Funeral Home, 50 Commerce Street, Harrington. Masonic services will be held at 11 am followed by funeral services on Friday, September 10, at  Asbury United Methodist Church, 200 Weiner Avenue, Harrington where friends may call from 10 to 11 am.  Burial with firefighter and military honors will be in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Harrington Fire Company, 20 Clark Street, Harrington, DE 19952. Letters of condolence may be shared with the family at www.loflandandmcknatt.com.

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