David T. McKnight

January 17, 1912 – June 30, 1999

Sportsman, aviator, war hero, loving father and dedicated husband, Colonel David Thomas McKnight, United States Air Force, Retired, died June 30, 1999 in Skaneateles, NY after facing many risks in the service to his country.

His career as a patriot began at age 18 when he enlisted in the National Guard – 101st Cavalry. His early interest in aviation shaped his later life in many ways. It helped direct him to meet and later marry Grace Evans of Skaneateles and also led to becoming a flight instructor in the Royal Canadian Air Force before America joined the war effort. His flying and teaching skills, coupled with his natural leadership ability, prepared him for an extraordinary early role in organizing, training, and leading B-17 aerial operations over Europe during World War II.

Between the wars, he and his family moved about the U.S. as his career developed. His family returned to Skaneateles while Colonel McKnight commanded the 49th Fighter Wing in Korea in 1950-51. Later he served as a faculty member at the Armed Forces Staff College and was again a Wing Commander in the early ‘60s on the first line of defense in Germany near the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.

Known for his quick wit and big heart, he never really retired. After leaving the Air Force he devoted time to his church, his community and the building of the 95th Bomb Group Memorials Foundation to commemorate the sacrifices made in the fight for world freedom. He was instrumental in the development and dedication of a book and several wonderful memorials to our nation’s flying heroes. A lifelong Christian he generously contributed his resources and time to his church and his community. He served as an Elder for the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles and was a tireless volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Presbyterian Home and similar endeavors at his home at Air Force Village II in San Antonio, Texas.

Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Grace Evans of their home in Air Force Village II, San Antonio, TX, his children, Nancy McKnight Smith of Prince Frederick, MD, Russell McKnight (Janie Charles McKnight) of York, PA; his sisters, Madeline McKnight Spargo of Elkin NC, Grace Hammesfahr of Metuchen, NJ; three grandsons, Jesse McKnight of Fairfax, VA, Benjamin and David McKnight of Rochester, NY; nieces Janet Evans Aaron, Laura Evans Godfrey, Sylvia Evans Torok, Cindy Evans Fuller, Grace Howe, Gail Nestlerode, Madeline Harris, and nephew/godson Ernie Hammesfahr.

Funeral services will be held July 11 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Skaneateles.

Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.