Donald Ray Knight Jr.

Donny grew up in Mineral Wells, Texas, and attended school there until his senior year of high school, when he moved to Crane, Texas. While in Crane, he became the Golden Gloves Champion. He then attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock before returning to Crane to work for Phillips Petroleum and begin a family.

On March 9, 1988, Donny married his beloved wife and best friend, Diane Childers, and together they raised their blended family in Crane. He thrived as a father, never missing an event of his children and teaching them to enjoy the outdoors, work hard, and love big. The most loyal of husbands, he cherished Diane, traveling the world with her and filling their home with love and laughter.

He was a 33rd degree Mason and served as master at two lodges,

After retiring from Phillips in 2004, Donny and Diane relocated to Murphy, Texas. His final years were spent side by side with his beloved Diane and surrounded by his grandchildren, earning the title of World’s Best Papa.

Donny’s huge smile and booming voice were matched with a zest for life, and he was always seeking new adventures. His passion was spending time with others. He often said he was a “people person” and he was. He was the light of life for so many. He was a great storyteller and always willing to share. Donny’s love of music was endless, and it brought him joy to sing with family and friends.

He was a man of many stories and many titles: roughneck, mama’s boy, fisherman, singer, knife smith, boxer, scuba diver, arrowhead hunter…

Of all the many titles he held, his proudest and most well-earned were those of Husband, Father, Brother, Papa, and Friend.

Donny was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Diane of Murphy, TX; children, Shane Knight, Stacy Finley (Jacob), Lecia Manning (Jared); grandchildren, Gideon Finley, Maggie Finley, Dillon Manning, Hudson Manning, and Conner Knight; brother, Rick Knight (Becky); many nieces, nephews and cousins that all loved him dearly.

Services will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Ted Dickey Funeral

Home, 2128 18th St, Plano, TX 75074.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Scottish Rite or Shriners Hospital for Children.