Harlen McKnight

Mac left his home in Louisiana when he was eighteen to join the Navy. He loved to share stories of his times in the Seabees. He had great memories of all his adventures while stationed on Midway Island. On a visit to Beaumont, Mac met a beautiful young girl, Dale Leatherwood. After months of exchanging love letters while Mac was in the service, they married on December 26, 1958. Later, they were blessed with two sons, Keith and Marion. Mac and Dale lived in Lumberton and were lifelong members of Parkway Life Church. Their church family has been a continuous source of support and love to them both.

During their 66 years of marriage Mac and Dale enjoyed many fun road trips with family and friends. They loved visiting many areas of the United States during their travels.

One of the highlights of Mac’s life was getting to be in the movie, “The Free State of Jones”, which told the story of his family during the Civil War. He was so excited to see himself on the “Big Screen.”

Mac was preceded in death by his parents and ten of his siblings. He is survived by his wife, Catherine Dale, sons Keith and wife Pam, Marion and wife Marty, grandchildren Austin and wife Jeana, Maegan Rathmann and husband James and great-grandchildren James Todd, Maeble Jean, Bode Harlen and Zachary Zadok. He is also survived by his brother Alvin McKnight and wife Dorothy and his sister Aline Main as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The viewing will be on Sunday, November 3rd at 4:00 pm and the service will follow at 5:00 pm at Parkway Life in Lumberton. A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 4th at 2:00 pm at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Beaumont.

The family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and prayers during this time, including the wonderful staff of Silsbee Oaks.