Duncan McKnight, 73
Active with Veterans Affairs
Dateline: Norton, MA
Duncan McKnight, 73, of Norton died on Wednesday October 25, 2006 at Morton Hospital in Taunton, MA. He was the beloved husband of over 34 years to Carolee (Prescott) McKnight.
Born in Austin, Texas on April 5, 1933 he was a loving son of the late David and Alice Louise (Hewitt) McKnight.
He was educated in Alabama schools and was a graduate of the University of Texas. A retired Major, Mr. McKnight began his military career in the United States Marines. He served 15 years active duty and was a veteran of both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1973 with the rank of Major. While serving in the Marines he was awarded numerous decorations including the Vietnam Service Medal with 4*, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, the Presidential Unit Citation with 1*, the Cross of Gallantry with Palm & Frame, the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.
After being discharged from the Marines he joined the Wyoming National Guard and retired after several years of service with the rank of Major. After moving to Norton Mr. McKnight had worked for the Jack Conway Real Estate Co. in Norton for several years retiring in 1998.
Duncan was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Norton and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Norton. He was also a former member and a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Attleboro. Extremely active with veteran’s affairs he was a member of the Lieutenant Harold A. Healy American Legion Post 222 in Norton where he served as a post commander 2 times and had also served on various committees at the post. He was a member and a past commander of the Norton VFW Post 8049. He was a past commander of the Norton Veteran’s Council. He was a member of the 40/8 which is an affiliate of the American Legion. For all his hard work and devotion given to veterans affairs in Norton he was chosen several times to serve as the Grand Marshall at veterans parades. He had lived in Norton for the past 17 years and was formerly of Wyoming, Virginia and his native state of Texas.
In addition to his beloved wife Carolee, he is survived by his devoted children Mike McKnight of California, Patrick McKnight of Pennsylvania, Darren McKnight of Virginia, Daniel McKnight of Colorado, B.J. Carter of Alaska, Megan Bollinger of Minnesota, David McKnight of Canton, MA, Christopher Carter of Idaho and the late Kathleen Weiss. His dear siblings Rhoda Burkett of Texas, David McKnight of Arizona, Randolph McKnight of Ohio, Lee McKnight of Alabama, Susan Kaeder of Oregon and Laurence McKnight of Tennessee. Also survived by 15 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter, several nieces and nephews and many friends.
His funeral, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Tuesday October 31st at 10:00 A.M. from the Norton Memorial Funeral Home 19 Clapp St. (Off Route 140, Taunton Ave.) Norton followed by a mass of Christian burial celebrated at 11:00 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church, South Worcester St., Norton. Burial with military honors will follow in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at 1:00 P.M.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday October 30th from 5-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
Due to the limitation of flowers allowed at the National Cemetery, Duncan’s family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the Lieutenant Harold A. Healy American Legion Post 222, 85 East Main St. Norton, MA 02766
For additional information please visit www.nortonmemorial.com