Steven G. Knight

Steven G. Knight, 72, of Lee’s Summit, MO, passed away on Sunday, February 21st after experiencing an unexpected medical emergency several days earlier. He was surrounded by his wife, their three daughters, and his brother as he entered the Kingdom of Heaven for a glorious reunion with those he loved who had gone before him.

Steven Gerard Knight was born in Kansas City, MO on September 21, 1948 to Bernard and Blanche (Cooper) Knight. According to family lore, he was the most beautiful baby in the nursery at St. Mary’s Hospital so the nurses immediately moved him to the front row in the window. When he was small, his family moved to his mother’s hometown of Marysville, KS where “Jerry Steven” would attend St. Gregory’s Grade School and graduate from Marysville High School in 1966. Marysville is where he developed his strong work ethic from an early age, delivering newspapers, running his own fireworks stand, and later working in the grocery store and local service station. He always cherished the memories of his childhood there and the friendships that he made, which he faithfully maintained throughout his life. 

After graduating, Steve attended his beloved Kansas State University (EMAW!) for one year before transferring to St. Thomas Seminary in Denver. Ultimately, the priesthood was not his calling and he returned to K-State, receiving a B.S. in Political Science in 1970. His first job was at Savior of the World Seminary in Kansas City, KS where he taught history and coached basketball. 

The next year, his life would change forever when his cousin set him up on a blind date with one of her co-workers. On December 10, 1971, Steve met his best friend and soulmate, Pam Markey. Nine days later he proposed and they were married on June 3, 1972 at Visitation Catholic Church in Kansas City, MO. In 1973, they moved to Marysville where Steve took his first job in the mortgage industry; that remained his profession for the next 40 years until his retirement in 2014. At that time he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Mortgage Bankers Association of Kansas City to honor his achievements throughout his career. By all accounts, he was known as a man of his word, a great guy to work with, and a mentor to many.

In the 1970’s, Steve served in the Army National Guard and focused on his young family. In 1978, he and Pam moved back to Kansas City where they raised their three daughters, Jennifer, Amy, and Brooke. He was the husband that bought flowers for every occasion and was home every night for dinner with his family. He was the dad who coached basketball, danced in father/daughter dances in recitals, and made “Steve’s Big Breakfast” on the weekends. He eventually became the Pop who made those same breakfasts, attended countless softball & basketball games, and lit up when he was spending time with his six grandchildren. He loved to take them to Royals games and he especially enjoyed days with his only grandson (who also shares his birthday) going to Dixon’s Chili, Arthur Bryant’s BBQ, and other places he loved.  Family was everything to Steve and he was a shining example of what a father should be.

Steve had a heart of gold and was always taking care of others; if there was a way to make someone’s life a little easier, he found a way to do it.  He was a member of the Leawood Rotary Club for several years and was named a Paul Harris Fellow during that time.  After his retirement he volunteered with Keeler Women’s Center in KCK where he was instrumental in securing support to fund the center’s financial literacy classes. In addition to helping people through these organizations, Steve also performed countless acts of kindness for others whenever the opportunity arose.

Steve loved history, music, travel, baseball, K-State, and cooking for others on his Hasty Bake grill. He would spend hours sitting outside: grill going, Royals on the radio, enjoying a drink and a bowl of peanuts. He was an incredible friend, keeping in touch with classmates and co-workers for years. Once you were Steve’s friend, you were always his friend.

Steve lived his life to serve the Lord and take care of others, so it was no surprise that he was a registered organ donor. His own prayers were answered last year when Pam received a new kidney, so he knew what it would mean to families just like his who were hoping for the same miracle. Thanks to Steve’s decision, three families received the answer to their prayers, which is exactly the way he would have wanted it. He was a beautiful soul and just like all those years ago in the nursery, we are sure the angels moved him to the front of the line at Heaven’s gate. He earned it.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Blanche Knight, and sister-in-law, Ann Knight. He is survived by his wife and best friend of nearly 49 years, Pam, of Lee’ Summit, their three daughters, Jennifer Lehr (Kevin) of Prairie Village,  Amy Spitaleri (Tom) and Brooke Bonadonna (Michael), all of Lee’s Summit, brother Peter Knight of Buffalo, MN, nephew Matt Knight (Rebecca), Elk River, MN, niece Emily Goedel (Nick), and great-nephew Julian Goedel, Clearwater, MN. Steve’s legacy also lives on through his six beautiful grandchildren, Lauren, Leah, and Toni Spitaleri and Mia, Joe Mike, and Sofia Bonadonna who were the light of his life.

The Rosary will be prayed at 4:45 p.m. followed by visitation 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, February 28, at Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church, Lee’s Summit, MO. The funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 1, at the church, followed by burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Raytown, MO. Masks and social distancing are required for the services. For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be live streamed on YouTube at https://youtu.be/qd50czBgtXU

Contributions in Steve’s honor can be made online to the Keeler Women’s Center by visiting www.keelerwomenscenter.org or the Midwest Transplant Network at www.mwtn.org/make-a-monetary-donation

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com