Hugh Pierce McKnight, 88, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away peacefully on January 12, 2021. He was born January 17, 1932 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Douglas & Jane (Pierce) McKnight. He married Sally Elizabeth Schrider on August 18, 1956 in Dayton, Ohio and she passed away on January 16, 2021.
Hugh was a 1959 graduate of the University of Wisconsin (Madison campus) and earned a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served during the Korean War on the U.S.S. O’Bannon (DDE-450). He was employed as a Professional Engineer with Eli Lilly and Company for 27 years, retiring in 1993. Hugh worked in the Equipment Development Department at Eli Lilly and received numerous patents for his machine design inventions. Hugh was a member of Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis and the Classic Car Club of America. During retirement he enjoyed owning and restoring classic cars such as Auburn’s, Cord’s and Lincoln’s, all of which were innovative for their time. Hugh participated in the annual Labor Day Auburn Cord Duesenberg festival held in Auburn, Indiana, where he drove his Cord’s and Auburn in the parade of classics.
Visitation and Services
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Salvation Army at the following address: SALVATION ARMY, 6060 Castleway West Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46250.
Survived by:
2 Sons: Kenneth B. (wife Lisa) McKnight of Carmel, Indiana and Steven D. McKnight of Indianapolis, Indiana Sister: Charlotte Thompson of Evansville, Indiana, Sister-In-Law: Jane Sajo of Junction City, Kansas, Several nieces and nephews.
Preceded by:
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Sheila McKnight and Diana McKnight, along with brother-in-law’s Harold Thompson and John Sajo.
So sorry for your loss. What a life of service he lived along with being such an innovator! My thoughts and prayers are will you all.
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleI am very sorry for your family’s loss.
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleHugh & Sally, sons Ken & Steve were special friends in Indianapolis. We will miss both Hugh & Sally members of the Wisconsin Badger family will be missed. XXOO, Jim & Judy
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleOur sincerest condolences over Hugh’s passing. May you find peace.
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleHugh and I were childhood friends in Lincoln, Nebraska and he taught me to fish. Hugh was a greatly important part of my life.
Share
Facebook Twitter Google