Clarence Pateman McKnight, Jr., 85, of DeRidder, LA, passed from this life on Monday, August 30, 2021.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Mike McKnight and Lanie of Mandeville, LA, Patti Lucas and Nolan of Nashville, TN, James Cooper and Anita of Houston, TX, John Cooper and Carol of DeRidder, LA, Jetta Cooper of DeRidder, LA; grandchildren, Cameron McKnight, Drew McKnight, Ian Lucas, Elise Lucas, Jonathan McKellar, Erin Bossart, Brett Cooper, Blythe Miller, Dana Cooper, Joe Bordelon, Johnny Cooper, Jayme Cooper, Leah Reed, Sarah Six, Carly Cooper; 18 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia McKnight; son, Jeff Cooper; parents, Clarence and Pearl McKnight.

Clarence was a follower of Christ and a devoted servant and member at First Baptist Church DeRidder. He faithfully served many years at Vacation Bible School, Awanas, and with many other church activities. Clarence was one of the first members of First Baptist Church Prayer Ministry, and rarely missed his weekly assigned prayer time at the church. He loved his church home and will be missed by many church friends and family.

When he wasn’t serving at the church, he was attending Shrine Club events and fundraisers as a proud Shriner. He also was a part of the “Old Dragons” ministry serving food to the DeRidder Dragons football team. He loved football and attended most DeRidder High Dragons and McNeese State Cowboys football games.  When not attending games, he was on committees planning the next DeRidder High School reunion for his graduating class. He was a proud alumnus and fan of both these schools. In addition to these activities, he was a proud board member for the War Memorial Civic Center.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 5, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Graveside funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 6, 2021 at Woodlawn Cemetery in DeRidder, LA. Brother Lindsey Burns will officiate the service.  Pallbearers will be Johnathan McKellar, Drew McKnight, Cameron McKnight, Brett Cooper, Johnny Cooper, and Jayme Cooper. Honorary Pallbearer will be Ian Lucas. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.

In lieu of flowers: Donations can be made to the Legacy of Faith Building Fund at First Baptist Church in DeRidder, LA.