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Earl Knight Obituary
He was born March 23, 1933 in Waverly, Ohio to the late Earl and Thelma Bryant Knight, both of whom preceded him in death. He was united in marriage on January 27, 1957 to the late Edith Fay Marcum.
Surviving are two daughters, Kimberly Ann Kargus, Tammy Louise Franks and husband, Eddie both of Greenville, SC; two sons, John Knight and wife, Lori, and Dean Knight both of Waverly; eight grandchildren, Brian Kargus and wife, Angela, Aaron, and Stephanie Kargus, Janessa and Jacob Knight, Jessica Knight, Eric Franks, and Lacara Hinebaugh; three great grandchildren, Jenna, Malory, and Maliah Hinebaugh; one brother, Timothy Robert Knight of Waverly; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Dean Knight of Waverly.
Earl (Ox, Tiny, Junior) graduated from Waverly High School in 1953, where he was a 3 sport athlete and was named to many All SOC teams. After serving 18 months in Korea as an Army tank driver, he went on to graduate from Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College (EKU today) in 1959 where he was 4 time OVC champion (56-59) in the Shot Put, never placing less that 1st in any meet he threw in, as well as a member of the football team. He also met and married his wife of 53 years at Eastern. He was also a Pro Wrestler and with his brother Jerry formed the Jolly Green Giants, a tag team that performed throughout Ohio from 1965-1971 and they both played Semi Pro Football for the Columbus Colts in the early 60s. Earl was a retired teacher and coach at Huntington High School in Ross County and also Western High School in Latham, he coached football, basketball and track. The Huntington High School football field is named Earl Knight Field, he was the founder of the program. He was a lapidary after he retired and was known for his belt buckles and tie-tacks. He was also the Chief of the Native American Cherokee people known as AniTsaLagi.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at the Botkin Funeral Home in Waverly with the Rev. Eric McKee officiating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery-Denver Rd. Friends may call on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Huntington High School Football Program, c/o Terri Eldridge, Athletic Director, 188 Huntsman Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601.
www.botkinfuneralservice.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Earl Knight
November 17, 2010
Mr. and Mrs. Knight were the greatest teachers and people there ever were. I know they are being blessed just as I was to have known them. Class of 1971
November 16, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
glen pierce
November 16, 2010
big earl a great man and teacher and ball coach sadly missed
Pauline Hawk
November 16, 2010
I was a student.Mr.Knight was agreat man.My prayers are with you.He will always be remembered.
Sam Beeler
November 15, 2010
I would like to say that it was a true honor to have known such a great man. I will never forget the tears you shed on the sidelines during games,as our coach wanting us to succeed on the playing field. At the time, I thought it was all about football but as I grew up and became a father, I realized it was about the life lessons that he was teaching me. The day we dedicated the football field in your name," Earl Knight Field", was one of the greatest days of my life. It was great to once again see my coach on the sidelines one more time!
Coach Knight, I will never forget you and the time you spent with me as a young man.
Sam Beeler # 50 class of '84
kristen conn
November 15, 2010
my prayers are with the family and friends "kristen conn" chillicothe oh
gary mckee
November 15, 2010
I am very sorry for the loss of your father.I have so many different memories of your father,wrestling especially,running a projector at Beulah chapel.I thought being in a church service with a favorite teacher was really cool.
Becky Kintner- Gardner
November 14, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go to the family. I had the pleasure of having both of them in school and know I am a better person because of them. Mr & Mrs Knight were not only great teachers but great people. They touched many lives and will missed by many.
candy newland
November 14, 2010
my prayers are with you at this time of loss, i had the pleasure of being in both earl and fayes class... they will be deeply missed..
Terry Deal
November 13, 2010
John - Dean - Kim - Tammy...4 of the luckiest kids to have had parents like Earl and Faye. I can't express how much Earl and Faye both have meant to me. Through the years they kept me out of so much trouble and put my feet on the path to the right direction. Any time troubles popped up you could look around and there would be either Earl or Faye to help me through it all. I couldn't imagine my life without them in it. Now is the time to sit back and reflect on all the "good times". I just wished the kids today would understand the sacrifices that Earl made for us to be where we are now in football. John "thank you" for the honor and the priviledge of allowing me to be a pall bearer at Earl's funeral. Until we meet again Bigun'. Love you guys !!
Rhonda Jacobs
November 13, 2010
My families prayers go out to your family.Your Mom and Dad were great teachers at Huntington and very much loved.They have remained in my thoughts threw out the years.They were amaizing people.Keep remembering. Rhonda Hollander class of 78."Squeeky"
Ray Mangus
November 12, 2010
Ray and Maxine Mangus
Travis Peters
November 12, 2010
Cheif Earl Knight will forever be in my heart and mind. He was my Cheif and also like another father to my mom and grandfather to her children. He was a great man and will forever be missed by my family and my tribe.
"When it comes time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home." -Cheif Aupumut, Mohican.
November 12, 2010
our thoughts and prayers go out to your family during the loss of your loved one.he will be greatly missed. dave & rosie cade
November 12, 2010
Golden Hawk, You are now with Blue Stone, smiling and dancing in a forever warm and sunny place. Thank you for your teaching,and love, and patience...sincerely Two Persons and Snow Owl
Two Persons
November 12, 2010
I miss my Chief and Blessed Mother more than I can express in words. I miss our talks and the teaching. I miss the passion they had for our culture. I can only hope that I can help carry on the preservation of our Indian Culture in a way that would make them proud.
Until We Meet Again
Aleta Conacher (Arrowood)
November 12, 2010
I've heard my dad tell so many stories about "Junior" and I had the pleasure of being one of his students at Huntington, he was a wonderful man. I also had Mrs. Knight as a teacher and had so much respect for her, she was such a wonderful and caring woman. They both are going to be greatly missed.
Debbie Aber
November 12, 2010
May the Lord give you comfort during this difficult time. I had the pleasure of getting to worship with Mr and Mrs Knight at Pleasant Valley. They were such a blessing to every live they touched. Sending prayers of comfort to your family.
Susan Long
November 12, 2010
My condolences to the Knight family. I was one of Mr. Knight's students at Huntingon High School. He was a memorable person. I've often told people that one of my teachers had been a professional wrestler. They were always impressed. He will be missed.
Chuck Myers
November 12, 2010
Thought the world of both Faye and Earl. If there's any solace in passing it's the wonderful life they shared. with utmost respect,
Robert Long
November 12, 2010
When I worked at Huntington, Mr. Knight always found the time to ask me how my daughter Susie was doing. He was a really nice man! He'll be missed by me and Susie.
Patsy Davis
November 12, 2010
Thoughts and prayers to the family of two of the greatest people and educators of the world. Thank you so much for sharing your parents with us. They were the most respected people I know. They never showed favoritism to the students like most teachers do. They taught me alot of life lesson that I should have listened to more of, they were really great people. They were always willing to talk and listen to the students. They will be missed.......Patsy Dyer (Davis) Class of "78"
Karen Newton
November 12, 2010
I wish I had met John and Faye. They sound like wonderful people. I know where Kim gets her heart from now. My condolences to the family. Know that God loves you and is with you always.
Doyle Douglas
November 12, 2010
As you know grandfather this is not are home we are just passing though.Thank you for all the love and kindness you have shown to my son and I. We have grown under your leadership. You have change us for the better. Now you have moved on to the other side as we all will someday.We love you grandfather, say osio to grandmother for us. wado and goodbye.
Susan Bostic
November 11, 2010
Kim ,I am so sorry for your loss. I am really sorry that you are so far away and there is nothing I can do to make this any easier for you and your family. Just know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you and miss you.If you need anything from me I will be on a plane there in a split second. You are not alone,,Just know that.
Please Call if you need me.
Love,, Susan Bostic
November 11, 2010
May your light always shine bright to guide our way.
Michael Mathuews
November 11, 2010
Earl and Faye were teachers of Health, Biology, Geography, Earth Science and Physical Education, but mostly they taught life lessons. Their time at Huntington High School was a great benefit to everyone.
There was no horse play in in Earls classes. All he had to do was give you that hard look and you realized that it was in your best interest to behave. My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of
loss. Michael Mathuews Class of 1974
Tina Conley
November 11, 2010
I've only known them for the last four years. They were the type of people that you feel like you've known all your life. They were my family as much as my own. They will always be in my heart. I loved Cheif Earl like my own Dad. He will be missed so much. He loved big, he cared big, and he'll always be a Giant of a man to all of us. Condolences to all the family. Prayers got out to you all. Peace and love.
Luther&Patty Malone
November 11, 2010
Thoughts and Prayers to the family of Mr.and Mrs. Earl Knight's Family..Me and My Husband were students of both of them at Huntington School..They touch the lives of many kids and people. They will be sadly missed by so many...Luther and Patty Malone
Russ Gilkeson
November 11, 2010
I am so sorry that Mr. Knight has passed. He will be missed. Iam a 1969 graduate of Huntington and "Big Earl" was my track coach. When I graduated I entered the Navy for four years and after I got out I was thinking of going to college and Mr. Knight was such a influence on me and talking to him about what I wanted to do with my future. With his influence I decided to go into the teaching field and coaching. I am retired after 31 years and I give the credit to Mr. Knight. I will miss him. He is now coaching in the big show on Gods team. Russ Gilkeson 1969
Renita Nunley-Ruiz
November 11, 2010
I can't even begin to put into words how much Earl and Faye Knight meant to me. My heartbreaks losing them. I am grateful for the lessons they taught me and my children. I'm grateful that we had the time together that we did.
Forever and Ever,
My friend, My teacher, My Chief,
Wado.
Heidi Graves
November 11, 2010
First off I would like to give my deepest sympathies to the family of this wonderful, memorable man. I was a 1986 graduate of Huntington School and had both Mr. and Mrs. Knight, and both were a great impact to many lives. Mr. Knight was a one in a million man. He always knew how to make a person laugh and enjoy learning. And also had plenty of stories to share with all his students, that make him an even more memorable man. I have to say he had his own unique ways of doing things. He will be greatly missed, and always appreciated.
Debbie Thomey-Bennett
November 11, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jeri Schoch (Oates)
November 11, 2010
I was a graduate of Huntington High School in 1975 & have fond memories of Mr. Knight. He was a larger than life character with a heart to match. My condolences to the family.
Lisa Detillion-Bader
November 11, 2010
Mr. and Mrs. Knight-God Bless your family. They left such a wonderful memory for me from Huntington High School. Wonderful, kind hearted, funny great people that I know touched alot of lives. Thinking of you in your time of loss.
Perry, Julie, Mason, and Jennifer Dyke
November 11, 2010
Thoughts are with you and your family.
Dale Smith
November 11, 2010
I had Mr. Knight as a teacher at Western High School. He always had a sense of humor and really cared about the kids. I am sure he will be missed.
Keith Jacobs
November 11, 2010
I remember Fay and Earl as being great people and great teachers to my 3 daughters at Huntington. I got to know them both well as a school board member in the late 70`s. They were both good people, God Bless their family. Keith Jacobs, past Board president of Huntington Local School
Rick & Donna (Holbrook) Shaw
November 11, 2010
My wife and I had both Mr & Mrs Knight as teachers throughout Jr High and High School at Huntington (Class of 1975). They were both great educators. I remember helping him prep the field by the school for our first football season. A lot great memories with both of them. Although I hadn't seen them since high school I had often referenced them both as I have spoken with people throughout my life. The world and the Huntington community is certainly a better place having had them as a part of it. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your folks with so many people.
Jim Rinehart
November 11, 2010
I am sorry to hear of Mr. Knights passing. I was a student of both Mr and Mrs Knight at Huntington class of 85. I have many memories of them both. Mr Knight was a little intemidating mostly because he was a big man. But he never failed to show his comedic side as well. Mr Knight will be missed.
Paula Cassady
November 11, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. I was a student of both Mr. and Mrs. Knights at Huntington. I loved them both. They will be greatly missed.
Bob Peters
November 11, 2010
John, I'am sorry about the loss of your Dad. I had him as a teacher when I was in Jr. High at Huntington School. I alway's liked him , He would tell us stories about when he was in the army. I also remember him and Jerry wrestling , They had a wrestling match at Huntington one night and I got to see them. You had a great Dad and Mom and I know they will be missed, but you alway's have those memories. Again my condolences to you and your family. Bob
Vicki Sanders - Bernhardt
November 11, 2010
I graduated Huntington in 1969. I well remember Mr. and Mrs. Knight. They were a colorful pair. They left a lasting impression. I have thought of and talked about Mr. Knight many times over the years. He was a giant of a man in many ways. He will be missed.
Jeff Irvin
November 11, 2010
A great loss to the Community, Mr Knight will live on in the hearts, minds and lives of students, athletes and of those he Worshiped the Lord with.
Reunited with those gone on before there is great celebration.
My condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends.
May God comfort you in this time of such great loss.
God Bless,
Jeff Irvin
dave landman
November 11, 2010
Mr. Knight was my favorite teacher in High School as well as my football coach. There wasnt a finer man to be found. He had a huge impact on my life. Thanks for the much needed paddlings and life lessons that I should have learned more from.
Dave Landman
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