David Oscar Kight

David Oscar Kight
August 21, 1933 – March 10, 2024

David Oscar Kight was born in Columbus, Ohio August 21, 1933. He was a beloved father and husband, was a proud veteran who felt a deep love for his country. Joining the US Navy at the age of 17,he served aboard the Minesweeper USS Swift as a boiler tender during the Korean War. 

After his honorable discharge, David went to work for BronShoe Company in Columbus, Ohio before joining Big Bear Stores, where he worked for the next 45 years. He was proud to have spent 39 years behind the wheel, accident-free. In his time at Big Bear, he was instrumental in bringing Teamsters Local 284 to the company, ensuring safety standards and pension plans for all current and future drivers. He had many fond memories and remained lifelong friends with many of his co-workers. 

David was a master boatman, spending many years on Lake Erie with his family and friends aboard his beloved Boston Whaler “Knee Bender”. He loved fishing for Walleye and Perch, with his true passion being preparing them for family, neighbors, and friends.

David had many hobbies throughout his life, including the muscle cars of his day, photography, fishing, sailing, golfing, boating, shooting, investing, coin-collecting, landscaping, wildlife viewing, and pondering the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. All who knew him would agree he was an avid storyteller. 

After retiring from Big Bear, David relocated to the panhandle of Florida, which he lovingly referred to as “God’s Country”. He enjoyed working as a groundskeeper at St. James Bay Golf Course well into his seventies. He died on Sunday, March 10th in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Peggy; daughters, Peggy Lynn Croston, Dianna Kight, Kimberly (Daniel) Sulger, and Terrie (John) Rhoades-Baker; grandchildren, Michelle, Adam, Ashley, David, Kyle, Mikaila, Alex, Amanda, and Candace; three great-grandchildren (and one on the way; siblings, Marilyn (Alfred) Reeves and Donald (Kathy) Kight; nieces and nephews.

David is predeceased by his son, David Harold Kight; parents, Claude and Bertha; sister, Eleanora; brother, Claude Delano; sister-in-law, Vickie; nephew, Delano Claude; many dear friends; and his treasured dogs, Angel, Sheila, and K-Lee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in David’s name to Covenant Care and designated for Veterans: https://www.choosecovenant.org/donate-now/