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Obituary For Albert LeRoy Knight, Sr.
Albert LeRoy Knight, Sr. “Pink”, 92, passed away on May 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
A visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2026, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at Salem United Church of Christ (320 NE 141st Ave, Alleman, IA). Burial will take place at Lincoln Township Cemetery in Alleman, IA.
Pink was born on January 31, 1934, in Des Moines, IA, to Henry and Edna Knight. Pink attended East High School, was enlisted in the U.S. Navy for two years, and then joined the Des Moines Police Department in February 1956. It was a 37-year career he put his heart and soul into; he retired on July 16, 1993.
During his time on the force, he attended many schools, but his favorite was LSU in Baton Rouge, LA. He made lasting relationships with southern law enforcement officers. He also attended DMACC and Simpson College. His last fifteen years were spent as Captain. He oversaw the Police Training Academy, training all new officer recruits.
Pink and his wife, Charlene “Char”, spent 50 years at Lake Ponderosa with family always present. He and Char built their retirement home there in 1989. They spent many winters in Bullhead City, AZ and moved back to Ankeny in 2009.
Pink was a member of Salem United Church of Christ in Alleman, IA, the Des Moines Police Burial and Protective Association, Iowa State Police Officer’s Association, Iowa Sheriff’s Association, Baldwin Patterson American Legion, Home Lodge, Scottish Rites, and Za-Ga-Zig Shrine. Pink was also President of the Des Moines Burial Association in 1969.
Pink will be remembered for his love of family and his “dancing abilities”.
He is survived by his wife, Charlene; son, David (Rosalie); daughter, Charlinn (Berry); daughter-in-law, Joyce Knight; brother-in-law, Ted (Judi) Lodden; seven grandchildren, Albert III, Alexis, Dani, Samantha, David II, Michael, and Shelley; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his son, Albert Jr.; parents, Henry and Edna Knight; and sister, Barb Knight.
Memorial contributions can be directed to Salem United Church of Christ, Des Moines Police Burial Association, or Baldwin Patterson American Legion.
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I worked with Capt. knight at the police academy for several years. He was a consummate professional and highly respected. He was a loyal friend in retirement. Condolences to Char and the entire Knight family.
Neil and Rhonda Leighter
I was fortunate enough to have worked for Captain Knight twice during my career. He was truly an outstanding man to work with. What impressed me the most about him was the manner and amount of respect that he showed everyone he worked with. He truly wanted to make you feel like you truly mattered. My deepest and heartfelt sympathy is extended to his family. A light blue candle for "The Thin Blue Line." Dave Brown
