Paul M. McKnight Jr.

Paul M. McKnight Jr., born December 27, 1947, in Middletown, Ohio passed into the arms of our Lord on May 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. 

Paul served his country in the United States Army from 1969-1972. During that time Paul received a National Defense Metal and Marksmen Badge. Paul also received certificates in the Army Training Programs, Clerk Typist and Medical Records Specialist. In September 1972 Paul began his career working for the Department of Public Works Center (PWC) at Great Lakes Naval Training Center with 33 years of dedicated service in the Carpenter Shop as a Glazier. Thereafter, Paul transferred to the Roofing Shop where he continued to provide quality workmanship until his retirement in 2005 to care for his wife.

Paul loved his family and anyone that came to his home. Paul welcomed everyone with open arms and made them feel like family. Paul loved taking family trips, going to the zoo, playing pool, watching cooking shows, Law and Order and spending quality time with his family, especially during the holidays. But his true passion and specialty was barbecuing. Before his illness he got up early every Sunday morning, started up the grill, and picked movies to watch together with his family. 

He was preceded in passing by his beloved wife of 40 beautiful years Vera L. McKnight nee Starks, his proud parents Paul M. and Flora (nee Storey) McKnight Sr., dear brother James McKnight, his cherished grandson Brandon Starks, mother-in-law Verlee Starks, in-laws Jesse Starks Jr., Clayborn Starks, Lester Bradley, Doris (the late Floyd) Hill, Jerry (the late Beverly) Starks, Larry Starks and Carol Bell.

He is survived by his beloved children, Yolanda V. Colbert, Valarie (Anthony) Melton, Veda Starks, Lawrence Starks, and Paul McKnight III; cherished grandchildren Tyrell, Anthony, Taniell, Tramaine, Brittany, Marcellus, Faith, and Shaquille: 8 beautiful great-grandchildren; his dear brothers Frankie (Marsha) McKnight, and Christopher (Mildred) McKnight; his son in-love Nathaniel (Penny) Bell III; brother in-law, Robbie (Linda) Starks sister in-law, Jennifer (Lorenza) Beville, Sandra Bell, Gloria (William) Horton, Catherine Hill and Johanna Bradley, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Friends and family will meet for visitation on Friday, May 31, 2024 from 9am-11am at Warren Funeral Home,1475 N. Cemetery Rd, Gurnee, IL. The funeral service will begin at 11am, followed by interment at Warren Cemetery and Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Paul’s name to Alzheimer’s Society would be greatly appreciated.