Charles “Howard” Knight (HK)
Sept. 29, 1938-Jan. 19, 2018
MOUNDRIDGE—Howard was born the second of three children at home in Jasper County, MO on Sept. 29, 1938 to Loren and Ruby (Blase) Knight. He passed away peacefully at his home on the farm, surrounded by his beloved family on Jan. 19, 2018. In his early years, was baptized in the First Christian Church in his hometown of Carthage, MO. He graduated from Carthage High School in 1956. He moved to Moundridge, KS shortly after where he started working for Wayne and Arlene Stucky. Through this connection, he met Wanda Rae Goering. HK and Wanda Rae married in the Eden Mennonite Church on August 26, 1960.
After marriage, the couple moved to Carthage MO where he owned and operated the Conoco Oil Station. Later, they moved to Downey, California where he entered 1W service at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital. It was here that he started work for American Oil Company, opening new filing stations. He later opened stations in Bakersfield, CA and Portland, OR. In 1965, HK and Wanda Rae returned to KS where he had his hands in many different trades. These trades include; working for Mid Kansas Co-op, over-the-road trucking for various ventures, pumping oil for Hank Siemens, plumbing for Jantz Plumbing, and then a stint managing the Goering Hardware. After that he began his career with USD 423 where he thoroughly enjoyed the relationships and connections he built with students and faculty over a span of 21 years. He retired in 2008 cherishing the memories of smiling students in the halls. During many of his working years he was able to implement his passion for farming. On the family farm, HK greatly treasured shaping the youth of the community that he hired as farm hands.
Howard became a member of Hopefield Mennonite Church when he moved to KS and later transferred membership to Eden Mennonite Church where he volunteered in an assortment of roles.
In addition to spending time with family, HK’s hobbies included; collecting John Deere memorabilia, listening to Johnny Cash, drinking Pepsi, daily lunches at the deli, reading Louis L’Amour books, watching the Lone Ranger, and cheering on the St. Louis cardinals. In the more recent years, he learned and enjoyed texting his family.
Survivors include: his wife Wanda, children Chuck (Diane) Knight, Kimberly (Jeff) Snyder, Brent (Carina) Knight, all of Moundridge. Sibling: Margaret Knight and brother-in-law Sherrill Strothman of Simi Valley, California. Sister-in-law Valetta (Minor) Seymour Grandchildren: Nathan (Jennifer) Knight, Ethan Knight, Chelsey Knight, Miranda Snyder and Fiancé Justin Soriano, Rachel Knight, Emily Knight, and Josh Knight. Nieces and nephew: Pam, Scott and Kate, and a host of cousins.
Preceded in death by: parents and brother Roland Knight.
HK touched many lives with his signature finger wave, his smile, and his caring nature for young adults. He will greatly missed.
Services will be held at Eden Mennonite Church Moundridge KS on Friday Jan. 26 2018 at 10:30am. Burial to follow. Visitation on Thursday Jan. 25 2018 from 3-8pm with family present 6-8pm at Moundridge Funeral Home.
Memorial Donations: Mennonite Disaster Service or Mercy Hospital in care of Moundridge Funeral Home.
