Drewey Daniel McKnight, Jr., lifelong citizen of Denison, Texas, and 8-year resident of Stonebrook Assisted Living, went home to be with the Lord on December 31, 2024, at the age of 99 years and 3 months.

Drewey Daniel McKnight, Jr. (D.D.) grew up in a large family and was the oldest of nine children.  D.D.     graduated from Terrell High School, Denison, in 1942, after completing the eleventh grade at the age of 16. After graduating from high school, he attended Prairie View Normal & Industrial College (now Prairie View A&M University) for a year and a half and was drafted into the United States Navy in World War II.

After returning from the war, D.D. completed his college work in 1948, earning a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.  After graduation, he returned home to Denison and was employed as a teacher at Terrell School.  He taught math and junior shop at Terrell School for 19 years before being transferred to Denison High School during the integration of Denison Public Schools.  While serving at Terrell School, Drewey not only taught, but also sponsored numerous activities including the Hi-Y Club and the Photography Club.  He also coached tennis and was the Business Manager for football game ticket sales.

In 1949, Drewey married his college sweetheart, Jewel Adams, in Houston, Texas.  To this union, two children were born: Pamela and Steven.    Jewel taught English in the Denison Public Schools for forty-eight years.  After fifty-eight years of marriage, Jewel transitioned to eternity on July 14, 2007.

Drewey holds B.S. and Master of Science Degrees from Prairie View A&M University and has participated in three National Science Foundation Institutes, as well as doing graduate work in the counseling and administration fields during summer vacations.  After serving six years at Denison High School, he was promoted to Title One Remedial Math Coordinator for the Denison School District.

In 1984, D.D. became the first black head principal to serve in the Denison School District.  He served as principal at Hyde Park Elementary School.  After serving six years as principal, he retired in 1991.

In 1979, D.D. was elected as the City of Denison's first black city councilman.  He was re-elected to a second term in 1981.

For many years, Drewey McKnight, Jr., has been active in civic activities which range from the Gideons, the Kiwanis Club, the Library Board, The American Red Cross, Child Protective Services Board, Workforce Texoma Board, Jack and Jill Daycare Board, Fairview Cemetery Board, Scoutmaster and numerous scouting activities/organizations.

Drewey was awarded scouting's Silver Beaver Award to recognize exceptional character and distinguished service.  The award of which D.D. was most proud was the Whitney M. Young Award for Unselfish Service to the Youth of America.

Drewey was a dedicated member of the St. Emmanuel Church of God in Christ, 411 N. York Ave., Denison, Texas, where the pastor is Elder Larry L. Polk.  D.D. was a deacon, Sunday School superintendent, church treasurer, men's Bible Class teacher, building project supervisor, and trustee board member.

D.D. is survived by two children: Pamela Kay McKnight Polk and Steven Adams McKnight, both of Sherman; Son-in-law/Caretaker/Advocate, Ben W. Polk of Sherman; Grandson, Ben Steven Polk (Kim) of Farmers Branch; Great-grandsons James D. Polk, and Ben Rey Polk of Farmers Branch.  Sisters: Carrol McKnight-Outlay (Jerry) of Arlington and Wanda Busby of Tulsa, OK.  He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceeded in death by his wife, Jewel Adams McKnight; His parents Drewey McKnight, Sr., and Carrie McKnight; Brothers: James McKnight, Leslie McKnight, and William McKnight; Sisters: Georgia Jones, Glenda Washington, and Gloria Champion.

Thank-yous for special care for D.D. go to Stone Brook Assisted Living, Guardian Hospice, and to friend and neighbor, Herschel Brown.

"INCLEMENT WEATHER ALERT SERVICES CHANGE TO"

Public visitation will take place on Sunday, January 12, from 2-4 p.m. at Waldo Funeral Home, Sherman, Texas.

Memorials may be made in D.D.'s name to the St. Emmanuel Church of God in Christ,

P.O. Box 1254, Denison, TX 75021, and to the Gideon's at P.O. Box 178, Denison, TX.

Homegoing service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, January 13, 2025, at Parkside Baptist Church in Denison.  Pallbearers will be Barney Ruffins, Frank McGilvery, Herschel Brown, and Vincent Wiliams, with burial to follow at Cedarlawn Memorial Park.

Rev. Jeff Humphrey is the Host Pastor, Elder Larry Polk will officiate and Dr. Randall Murphy will deliver the Eulogy.

Arrangements have been entrusted to James E. Smith and the professionals of Waldo Funeral Home.

You may sign the guestbook  at www.waldofuneralhome.com .