New Albany, IN - Walter Joseph McKnight, born on May 10, 1926, in Elizabeth, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026 in New Albany, Indiana, surrounded by the love and warmth of his family. Walter also held in high esteem the power of education, proudly earning his GED and encouraging those around him to pursue knowledge and self-improvement. He was preceded in death by his loving wives, Alma and Mercedes, his father Walter H. McKnight, his mother Mary C. McKnight, his daughter Mary Jean McKnight, his son Louis McKnight (Brenda), and his siblings Mary Mauch, Ann Schulz, Alice Mathers, Jenny Rupp, Kenny McKnight, and Jim McKnight. Walter's enduring legacy continues in the hearts of his surviving family: his sons James P. McKnight (Bruce), Thomas McKnight (Jan), Charles McKnight (Deborah), Mark McKnight (Bonnie), Ralph McKnight (KK), Ronald McKnight (Kim), and Robert McKnight (Glenda); his daughters Betty Ann Kirchgessner (Al), Janet Rowe (Allan), Kathy Gardner (Michael), and Peggy Warner (Gary); his sister Dorothy Kasse; his daughter-in-law Brenda McKnight; 22 grandchildren, 23 Great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and in the cherished memories held by all his extended family. Walter Joseph McKnight leaves behind a legacy of deep familial devotion, steadfast honesty, and a love of life's quiet wonders.