Tyler, Texas - Donald (Donnie) Knott, 72, of Palestine, passed away on Thursday, March 27th 2025 at The Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, Texas, surrounded by family. He was born August 31st, 1952, in Cameron, Texas, the son of D.C. and Hattie Knott.

Survivors include his beloved Wife, Janice (Dickie) Thompson Knott of Palestine; daughter, Amy and son-in-law, Jon McGuire of Palestine; daughter, Chrislie Knott of Palestine; brother, David and sister-in-law, Jane Knott of Rockdale; sister, Glenda Walker of Round Rock; grandchildren, Landry, Nathan, and Ross Langley and Karly, Gavin, and Chloe McGuire; sisters-in-law, Kathy Thompson of Palestine, Laurie Ott of Indiana and Sandra French of Minnesota along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Donnie never met a stranger in life. He loved to tell stories, laugh, host parties, BBQ, and spend time with his family. He was a loyal friend as evident by the friends he has kept from childhood, college, his softball days, work, YMCA workout buddies, throughout the community and church. Donnie loved sports and could remember every stat there was. He worked for Windham School District for 38 years as a teacher and had a strong dedication and work ethic. His passion for being a teacher and the bond he shared with his co-workers made this a perfect career for him. He has coached numerous sports teams for kids and adults as well as played basketball, baseball, football and tennis. His Grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he could be seen at every single event they had from dance recitals, graduations, at the fields or golf course and everything in between. When the weather was nice, he would most definitely be riding around town with the top down in his red Volkswagen Beetle.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 5th from 4:00pm - 6:00pm at Herrington Land of Memory Funeral Home in Palestine, Texas.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 6th at 2:00pm at the First Christian Church in Palestine, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, we have picked some places that were very near and dear to Donnie, and we would be more than honored if you donated to these in his name.

Meals on Wheels, Palestine, Texas

Palestine YMCA, Palestine, Texas

First Christian Church, Palestine, Texas

Shriner Children's Burn Center, Galveston, Texas (where Donnie was treated and lived for several years in his early childhood)

View online at www.herringtonfuneral.com.