The funeral service for Brian W. Knight will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 15, 2019 at Hill and Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri.
Visitation will be held at Hill and Son Funeral Home, Appleton City, Missouri on Sunday, July 14, 2019 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. The Pastors will be Tony Reynolds and Jimmy Knight
Interment will follow at Westfield Cemetery, Rural Appleton City, Missouri. The family suggests any memorial donations be made to Appleton City Fire Department or First Christian Church.
Brian William Knight, age 46, third of four children, born to Kenneth Leon and Mary Ann (Bartz) Knight, was born in Butler, Missouri December 8, 1972. He departed this life July 10, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Blue Springs, Missouri.
Brian grew up on the family farm. They had dairy cattle, beef cattle and row crops. He loved farming and learned about plants, trees and animals from his grandmother and mother. The farm was his “happy place” from an early age until his death. Through those years it was where he learned about farming, nature, worked hard and played. Brian was fiercely dedicated to doing whatever he did even at a young age. He was also blessed with the gift of humor, laughter and storytelling. His infectious grin was a sign of an impending display of orneriness.
After graduation from Appleton City High School in 1991, Brian attended Linn Tech earning an associate’s degree in automotive technology. His three siblings will attest to the fact that he showed much interest and mechanical aptitude even at an early age for dismantling many of their things.
In 1992 Brian married Becky Young and to that union one son, Anthony, was born. In May of 1997 Brian and Penny Foster met and a bond of friendship formed as they both worked through their divorces. That friendship grew into love and they were married July 17, 1999 at Ohio Christian Church.
Brian worked as a mechanic here and there for many years, with the gift of being the “fixer of everything”. During that time he attended EMT training and received that degree, working 36 hours a week for Ellett Memorial Hospital. He also has continued to farm and fix equipment for Ann Knight and Chris Thompson. That love for attacking those farm chores was always apparent. He was very dedicated refusing to leave town during harvest knowing there was much for him to do and no time to leave. Brian was currently also serving as assistant fire chief for AC’s volunteer department.
On October 7, 2012 Brian and Penny felt the call of Jesus to be their savior, and were both baptized at the First Christian Church by Pastor Tony Reynolds. They also joined the church that day. Brian was currently serving as the president of the church board and had served as Appleton City alderman in the past. He had taken time from his busy schedule to volunteer to be counselor for youth church camp for the last five years. He had also been director when needed.
All who knew Brian, realize he did nothing half way. He was always going “full bore” and helped anyone and everyone that needed him. He went to help immediately, no matter the hour or situation. He had a passion for helping and caring for people and the community. He was also a magnet for crazy, and has always stepped up to be a part of mischief before, during and after it has happened. He possessed an ever present smile and an easy caring way with all his patients. He dearly loved his family and was called “Papa B” by his grandchildren, whom he adored. Inside his giant frame was a tender, gentle heart.
Brian never met a stranger and all who knew him called him a friend. He will be sorely missed by family, friends, co-workers, church and community.
Preceding Brian in death is his mother, Mary Ann, paternal grandparents, Forrest and Ruthella Knight, and maternal grandparents, Leonard and Anna Mae Bartz. Survivors include his wife, Penny; his sons Anthony Knight (Nayeli) and Scott Campbell (Laura); his grandchildren: Katie, Collin and Kenzie Campbell; his father Kenneth Knight; his mother-in-law, Icie Foster; his siblings: Ladonna Green (Matt), Cameron Knight (Angela) and Melinda Rogers (Shawn); numerous family members and many friends.
