John McKnight of Mackay, Idaho Passes Away August 8 2012

William "John" McKnight, 80, passed away peacefully at a care center in Chubbuck, Idaho.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13, at the Mackay LDS church, 531 Spruce St. A viewing will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road in Chubbuck, and at 11 a.m. Monday prior to services at the church. Interment will follow services Monday in Mt. McCaleb Cemetery in Mackay. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Wilks Funeral Home. From the Post Register on August 10, 2012.

John was born to Harrison and Eva England McKnight, December 21st, 1931 in Moreland Idaho. He was number 11 of 14 children. He grew up in Moreland, where he attended school and helped on the family farm.

During his high school years he met his lifelong sweetheart, Lois DeLone Taylor. After graduating from Snake River High school, John attended BYU for a semester, however, his time at college was quite brief as he could not be apart from his beautiful DeLone. They were joined in marriage on January 18th, 1951 in the Idaho Falls Temple.

To this union, three children were born. Kim John joined the family in 1953. The family grew to be four in 1955 when Karla Dawn was born. Next came Kelvin D. in 1960 to complete this McKnight family.

John’s first passion was his family. All of his hobbies and interests were centered around his family. Following his graduation from Mechanics school at ISU came his next greatest accomplishment, the family business, McKnight’s, Inc. He spent endless hours working and nurturing this business, McKnight’s was very popular and successful business in Pocatello. Through this business, John met countless friends that became lifelong friends. John was a country boy, a cowboy, and an avid fisherman. He cherished his horses and many different activities that included time with and riding his horses. He was a member of the Bannock County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse for approximately 20 years. He also enjoyed a bit of Chariot and Cutter Racing. He loved going on trail rides with family and friends. There aren’t enough lines on a piece of paper, or words, to describe his fishing expeditions. He was a master of fishing, with a special passion for Steelhead fishing. John also loved the challenge of a good elk hunting trip. He and good friends spent many years packing into Panther Creek looking for the “big one”.

John was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He held numerous positions in his church and was very dedicated to his callings. He especially enjoyed his home teaching and staying connected to the neighborhood families.

John is survived by his special love, his wife of 61 years, DeLone; his children, Kim (Laura) McKnight of Pocatello; Karla (Brent) Mulkey of Salmon; Kelvin (Mary) McKnight of Pocatello. His precious grandchildren; Shaun Westfall, Candee Carter, Krista Meador, Jon McKnight & Annie Carter. And many great grandchildren. His sisters Velda (Quinton) Blackburn of Springfield, Eunice Pratt of Idaho Falls, Myrtle Larson of Moreland, and Janie (Scott) Whimpy of Heber City, UT. His brother Mac (Greta) McKnight of Portland, OR.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Neil, Jim, Reed, Elmer, Milton & Kent; his sisters Charlene & Margaret. And two of his precious grandchildren, Benjamin McKnight and Patrick John McKnight.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Patrick John McKnight Memorial Music Scholarship. Checks should be made out to the ISU Foundation (with Patrick McKnight Scholarship written in the memo line). Send to 921 South Eighth Ave, Stop 8050, Pocatello, ID 83209-8050. Or to the Mackay EMTs PO Box 37, Mackay, ID. 83251.

John and his contagious smile will be greatly missed. John at Sammy's in Mackay, Idaho with his giant spud Sept 28 2005.

Mt. McCaleb Cemetery, Mackay, Idaho.