DAVENPORT - Louis W. McKnight was a lifelong resident of Davenport, Florida, where he was born on April 12, 1917. He passed away April 10, 2007 at Osceola Regional Medical Center, Kissimmee, Florida as a result of heart failure. He was 89.

Mr. McKnight actively promoted the city of Davenport and local business in the area for most of his life. In 1971 he became Mayor of Davenport, served five terms on the City Council, and was a Director and Member of the Chamber of Commerce for over 60 years. He was President, Chairman and Owner of Holly Hill Groves and Fruit Products in Davenport, Florida, owner of Citrus Enterprises Inc. and Circus Inn, Inc. A past member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Citrus Processors Association, the Board of Directors of Growers and Shipping League and the Board of Directors of Polk County Traffic Club, N.Y, Cotton Exchange and the Florida Club. Serving on the Board of Directors of Flagship Bank, First Bankers Inc., and the First Union Bank, he was also one of the founders of First National Bank of Polk County, now Center State Bank. President and Trustee of Evergreen Cemetery, Davenport, Florida, he was also a member and Trustee of the Davenport Methodist Church. Mr. McKnight had been a member of the Haines City Kiwanis Club for 62 years and was still active in it to this day. A Charter Member of Lake Region Yacht and Country Club, Winter Haven, Florida, he was also a member of the University of Florida Bull Gator Club since 1983.

Mr. McKnight is survived by his wife of 67 years, Hilda Redgrave McKnight, Davenport, Florida; sons Warren McKnight, Jr. of Haines City, Florida and Dennis McKnight of Davenport, Florida; daughter Virginia Glass of Davenport, Florida, as well as four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Thursday, April 12, 2007 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Haines City, Florida. Services will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 13, 2007 at Davenport United Methodist Church .

Memorial contributions may be made to Sunshine Foundation - Dream Village 5400 County Road, 547 North, Davenport, FL 33837 or through their website www.sunshinefoundation.org or to the Florida United Methodist Children Home, P.O. Box 6299, Deltona, FL 32725 Condolences to: oakridgefuneralcare.com