The MINISTER officiating at the service will be Pastor Jimmy Knight.
VISITATION will be held at the funeral home between 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. preceding the service.
INTERMENT will immediately follow the service in Westfield Cemetery, rural Appleton City.
The family requests any MEMORIAL donations be made to Regional Hospice or Osage Valley Round-Up Program.
Kenneth Leon Knight passed away on February 13, 2020 at Hermitage Nursing Home in Hermitage, Missouri at the age of 78. Kenny was born January 3, 1942 to the late William Forrest and Ruthella (Clayton) Knight. He grew up in the Ohio, Missouri, community and lived his life there until his health declined a few years ago.
Kenny graduated from Appleton City High School in 1959. He attended the University of Missouri for two years, but decided that his true calling was to raise a family and continue farming. Kenny married his high school classmate, Mary Ann Bartz in 1963. They farmed side-by-side and operated a row crop, beef cattle, and dairy farm for more than 40 years. To this union four children were born. Kenny was a family man and worked hard to provide for them. He was always willing to sacrifice for others and put others first. He took care of Mary Ann in her final years. She preceded him in death in 2004.
Kenny was very civic minded and served on many boards, including the Appleton City Christian Church, Appleton City School, and the Osage Valley Electric Co-op. He had a quick wit, a sharp mind, and a friendly-outgoing nature. He had a love for history and enjoyed reading. He collected National Geographic Magazines and John Deere model tractors. He was quick to inform anyone that “the best tractors are green.” He was a wonderful teacher and a great example in life. He enjoyed showing the younger generations about farming and was a big supporter of young farmers just starting out.
Besides his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by one son, Brian William Knight.
He is survived by his three children: Ladonna (Matt) Green of Appleton City, MO, Cameron (Angela) Knight of Springfield, MO, and Melinda (Shawn) Rogers of Hopkinsville, KY. His eight grandchildren: Scott (Laura) Campbell, Anthony (Nayeli) Knight, Rachel Green, Clinton Green, Allyson Knight, Garret Knight, Lauren Rogers, and Andrew Rogers; three great-grandchildren, Katie, Collin, and Kenzie Campbell; one brother, Jay (Sheila) Knight, and a daughter-in-law, Penny Knight.
Kenny graduated from Appleton City High School in 1959. He attended the University of Missouri for two years, but decided that his true calling was to raise a family and continue farming. Kenny married his high school classmate, Mary Ann Bartz in 1963. They farmed side-by-side and operated a row crop, beef cattle, and dairy farm for more than 40 years. To this union four children were born. Kenny was a family man and worked hard to provide for them. He was always willing to sacrifice for others and put others first. He took care of Mary Ann in her final years. She preceded him in death in 2004.
Kenny was very civic minded and served on many boards, including the Appleton City Christian Church, Appleton City School, and the Osage Valley Electric Co-op. He had a quick wit, a sharp mind, and a friendly-outgoing nature. He had a love for history and enjoyed reading. He collected National Geographic Magazines and John Deere model tractors. He was quick to inform anyone that “the best tractors are green.” He was a wonderful teacher and a great example in life. He enjoyed showing the younger generations about farming and was a big supporter of young farmers just starting out.
Besides his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by one son, Brian William Knight.
He is survived by his three children: Ladonna (Matt) Green of Appleton City, MO, Cameron (Angela) Knight of Springfield, MO, and Melinda (Shawn) Rogers of Hopkinsville, KY. His eight grandchildren: Scott (Laura) Campbell, Anthony (Nayeli) Knight, Rachel Green, Clinton Green, Allyson Knight, Garret Knight, Lauren Rogers, and Andrew Rogers; three great-grandchildren, Katie, Collin, and Kenzie Campbell; one brother, Jay (Sheila) Knight, and a daughter-in-law, Penny Knight.
