Paul Edward McKnight

Anderson - Paul Edward McKnight, 85,Anderson, was a hard-working, loyal and compassionate man who truly enjoyed life?s simple pleasures. Surrounded by family, he died peacefully September 11, 2004, at the Indiana Heart Center after a brief illness. He was born in New Castle on September 26, 1918, to the late Laura Howell and Walter McKnight. He had lived in Anderson since 1941. He met his lovely wife, Wanda Jeanne Morse, at New Castle High School, where he graduated from in 1937. After dating for seven years, he and Jeanne married April 18, 1943. She was the center of his world and he was forever a devoted husband. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this year. He was a tireless man who took tremendous pride in his work. He was a salesman at Joe?s Bakery for seven years and worked at Delco Remy for five years. He then helped start the Cool Block and Brick Company, where he was plant superintendent for 34 years. He retired from there in 1981. In his spare time, you could find him happily repairing televisions, radios and other appliances. He also owned and operated a pinball and gaming machine business. He was always looking for an honest way to make a buck, even in his youth. He spoke fondly of the numerous enterprises he started as a clever kid, such as buying boxes of candy bars and hiring the neighborhood kids to re-sell them for a profit. He used the money he earned to buy his first car, a yellow 1931 Model A Ford. It was one of his greatest accomplishments. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in New Castle for more than 50 years and a member of the Moose Lodge in Anderson. He was an avid coin collector and, in later years, thoroughly enjoyed auctioning his silver dollars on eBay. He had a beautiful and bountiful garden, which he tended to with great care and respect. He also loved caring for his cats and fed them better than himself. Other favorite pastimes included reading, working word puzzles, eating his wife?s delicious meals, spending time with his family, telling stories and simply watching the world go by. He genuinely was a happy man. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; a son, Mike McKnight, and wife, Cindy of Phoenix, Arizona; daughter-in-law, Julie McKnight of Phoenix; four grandchildren, Greg of Anderson, Jenna of Montclair, New Jersey, Jamie and Cassie both of Phoenix; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle; parents, Laura and Walter; four brothers, Arthur, Taft, Bill and Don; and sisters, Bessie Hutchins and Ethel King. Visitation will be from 11-1:00 PM, Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at Robert D. Loose Funeral Homes, South Chapel, 200 W. 53rd Street; Anderson with service to immediately follow. Pastor Brad Smith will officiate. Burial will be at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the donor?s preferred charity. www.LooseFuneralHomes.com

Paul Edward McKnight

September 26, 1918 - September 11, 2004