Donald Otto Knapp

In loving memory, Mr. Donald Otto Knapp, age 89, of Auburndale passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at his home in Auburndale surrounded by his family and caregivers and leaving a legacy of love and warmth that touched the lives of all who knew him. Born September 25, 1935, in Monroe, Michigan to parents Clara (Coutcher) Knapp and Vernon Kenneth Knapp. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, Mr. Knapp was a true family man with an infectious smile that could light up any room. His adventurous spirit led Mr. Knapp and his brother Merlyn and family to pioneer a courageous move from Michigan to Florida with his wife Leoma and young family in 1970, where he sold a centennial family farm to embark on a successful career in real estate development, specializing in 55+ lifestyle communities. A true lover of horses, he enjoyed caring for and showing quarters and minis. He also found joy in coaching youth sports, instilling values of teamwork and perseverance in countless young girls’ softball and boys’ little league programs. As a young man he enjoyed playing in his church softball league. His high school classmates aptly summed him up in their yearbook by declaring “His heart is like a trolley car… always room for one more!” Mr. Knapp’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the love he shared, as his spirit continues to inspire future generations. He was a member of the Auburndale First United Methodist Church for 54 years. Mr. Knapp was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife of 33 years, Leoma Mae (Chevalier) Knapp and second wife of 28 years Mary Lou Knapp and brother Merlyn Knapp and sister-in-law Beverly Knapp and sister-in-law Alberta “Babe” Brandeberry. Mr. Knapp is survived by his children 3 daughters, Peggy (Mike) Wnek, Lori (Bill) Johnson, Julie (Guy) Jennings all of Auburndale, 2 sons, Randy Knapp of Lakeland, Marty (Kim) Knapp of Auburndale, brother-in-law James “Jim” Brandeberry, sister-in-law Charlotte (Ken) Hyatt, brother-in-law John (Bonnie) Chevalier and brother-in-law Thomas “Tom” (Beth) Chevalier, 13 Grandchildren, Sean (Kristin) Levy, Jason (Nadia) Levy, Rachel (Kyle Leavitt) Levy, Heather (Matt) Eadler, Kristi (Mike) Durden, Corey (D’Layna) Johnson, Justin (Chelsey) Johnson, Alyssa (Josh) Hammond, Kristyn (Kristian) Maldonado, Tyler Knapp, Alexa (Brian) Russo, Brock (Sydney) Jennings and Haley (Dillon) Bailey and 28 Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A special heartfelt “thank you” from the family to Mr. Knapp’s caregivers Samatha “Sam” Harrison and Sabrina Donley and horse/barn caretaker, neighbor and friend Kim Cheeseman and to the Good Shepherd Hospice team in Auburndale. Visitation will be held Friday, January 10th from 10-11am, at the First United Methodist Church, 316 Lake Ariana Boulevard, Auburndale FL 33823. Funeral Services will follow the visitation at 11am. Interment will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park. A celebration of Mr. Knapp’s life will be announced at the Funeral Service and will follow immediately after the Interment. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Memory of Mr. Knapp to the First United Methodist Church building/repair fund, 316 Ariana Boulevard, Auburndale, FL 33823 and or Good Shepherd Hospice, 450 Arneson Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823.