Charles Morland Knighton

On 8 January 2009, Charles Morland Knighton, age 94, passed away at the home of his daughter, ReNae Dalton, in Heber City, UT. He was born 16 May 1914 in Bountiful UT to James and Harriet Tovey Knighton, 5th of 12 children. He lived in Moore and Mackay ID from 1919-1945, graduated from Moore H.S. in 1932 as valedictorian and student body president, and studied at U of Idaho. On 9 November 1934, Charles married his eternal sweetheart, Artella Jensen, in the Logan UT LDS Temple. They enjoyed 68 joyful years together before her death in 2003. Blessed with 7 wonderful children, he has been a most loving, kind, and exemplary father and grandfather. Many years of thoughtful care of his disabled daughter, Delores, and of Artella exemplified his sterling character. His family was his greatest treasure—Artella, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—all of whom he loved dearly. He was a noble son giving great care to his widowed mother for 36 years. Charles' professional life began as a rancher, but needed care for Delores, brought him and his family to Salt Lake Valley in 1945 where he became employed by the LDS Church Welfare Program for the next 36 years. Responsibilities included Manager of the Bishop's Central Storehouse, Coal Yards, and Deseret Transportation for over 25 years. Service in the Church was a way of life for Charles. He served in 6 bishoprics, including Bishop of Lincoln Ward, in 2 Salt Lake Granite Stake presidencies, on two stake high councils, as a Salt Lake Temple ordinance worker, and as a missionary with Artella in the Arizona Tempe Mission (Mesa AZ Visitors' Center). He had a profound testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. He taught his children the doctrines, principles, and truths of the gospel by example and by precept. Personal and family prayer and temple service were fundamental to his life. He was a friend and servant of all. He was a model example of honesty and integrity. He is survived by sons: Lennis (Peggy), Pleasant Grove, UT; Ronald (Shirlee), Centerville, UT; daughters: Leola Abston, SLC, UT; Carolyn (Grigg) Brown, Bountiful, UT; LaRae (Stephen) Mather, Glendale, AZ; and ReNae (David) Dalton, Heber City, UT; 37 grandchildren; 98 great-grandchildren; sisters: LaRiene Wetzel, Elsie Westbrook, Marie Quist, & Violet (Kenneth) Capell; sisters-in-law: Audrey Knighton and Cleo Knighton; brothers-in-law: Lawrence & Eldon Jensen. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Artella; daughter, Delores; brothers: Lawrence, Glen, & Earl; sisters: Hilda, Mary, Myrtle, & Leone. Funeral services: Saturday, 17 January 2009, 11:00am, Suncrest 9th Ward chapel, 150 N 400 West, Orem, UT. Viewings: Bountiful Russon Bros Mortuary, 295 N Main, Friday, 16 January from 6:00-8:00pm; Saturday 9:30-10:30am at the chapel prior to the services. Interment: Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 S 200 W.