Daryl Clayton Knight

Surrounded by loved ones, Daryl C. Knight, 94, passed away peacefully at his home in rural Lebo on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Daryl Clayton Knight, the son of Walter F. “Rip” and Mary Evelyn (Baker) Knight, was born November 1, 1930, at his parents’ home in the rural Key West community near Lebo. Daryl entered the world several weeks prematurely and the doctor offered little hope for his survival. However, through the loving care of a grandmother and mother, God worked a miracle. He had plans for Daryl to live a long, rich life and supplied him with a spirit of strength and determination that Daryl would display for ninety-four and one-half years.

Daryl walked one mile to attend Key West School as a child and graduated from Lebo High School in 1948. He was joined in marriage to Ladonna Joan Combes on June 15, 1952. To this union three children were born: Galen, Gary and Londa. Daryl and Ladonna were helpmates to one another, working side-by-side throughout life. Their children and grandchildren learned by example that a devoted husband loves, honors, and cherishes his wife.

Daryl was a lifelong farmer and stockman in the Key West community. He was hardworking, generous, and kind. He enjoyed the camaraderie of neighbors and was always willing to share his time and resources with others. Daryl and Ladonna loved people. They operated a bus service for local schools for thirty years. They enjoyed graciously sharing their home with visiting relatives and opened their home to seventeen foster children over many years.

Daryl cherished spending time with his family. The end of harvest was celebrated with all-you-could-eat pizza dinners. On Saturday evenings they would work to finish chores and milking cows so they could gather and watch Gunsmoke together. Weekends would find the family camping and water skiing at the nearby detention lake. Daryl enjoyed vacations with his family exploring mountains, oceans, and parks. Daryl and Ladonna looked forward to yearly trips to Canada to camp and fish with family and friends and toured scenic Alaska together to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Daryl will forever be remembered by his two sons Galen (Jackie) Knight of Canjilon, New Mexico and Gary (Linnie) Knight of Lebo; a daughter Londa (William) Kneisly of Lebo; a brother, Terry (Janice) Knight of Lebo; eight grandchildren: Amanda (Knight) Durst, G. Layne Knight, Kristen (Wallace) Miller, Travis Wallace, Kai Nilsen-Knight, Nathan Knight, Jennifer (Knight) Plante, Jessica (Knight) McKinney, and twenty-one great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ladonna; two sisters, Delores Wallace and Sharon VanArsdale and twin brothers, Jay and Ray Knight.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, May 12, 2025 at Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home in Lebo. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:30 until service time. Burial to follow the service at Key West Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lebo First Responders and sent in care of Jones VanArsdale Funeral Hone, P.O. Box 43, Lebo, Kansas 66856. Condolences may be expressed at Vanarsdalefs.com.