Gerald T. "Jerry" Knight

Gerald T. "Jerry" Knight, 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 2nd, at the Brookdale Senior Living Independent Community in Overland Park, Kansas, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, humor, and devotion.
Born on February 28, 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri, Jerry was a proud native of Bonner Springs, Kansas. Raised on the family farm he spent his formative years in the community he loved, graduating from Bonner Springs High School in 1954. His pursuit of knowledge led him to Kansas State University before he bravely answered the call to serve his country, honorably serving in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958.
Upon completing his military service, Jerry returned to the Kansas City area, where he established his home and began raising his beloved family. His professional life was marked by dedication and a strong work ethic. He contributed his skills to The Winkler Company and several other construction companies before joining Yellow Freight, where he excelled as the Manager of Building Services. Jerry retired in 2008 after two decades of loyal service, leaving an indelible mark on his colleagues and the company.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Jerry's heart belonged to the historic family farm. For decades, he and his family devoted every weekend to maintaining and enhancing the farm's productivity. While the farm transitioned over the decades from dairy cattle and row crops to predominantly beef cattle Jerry's passion for it never wavered and even up to his passing, was dreaming up new projects. An avid reader, Jerry found great enjoyment in western novels and possessed a deep fascination for history, particularly World War II and the grandeur of steam locomotives. His enthusiasm extended to collecting and operating model trains.
Jerry was renowned for his quick wit and sharp mind, often engaging in lively and good-natured banter with his friends, especially during their cherished breakfast gatherings. Even on his final day, his playful spirit shone through as he joyfully heckled his companions after breakfast, surrounded by their enduring friendship.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 12 years, Delores Knight, of Shawnee, Kansas. He also leaves behind three loving sons from his previous wife Eddie Lou Knight-Riley, deceased: Jeff Knight and his partner Corey of Shawnee, Kansas; Andrew Knight and his wife Melanie of Bonner Springs, Kansas; and Michael Knight and his wife Jennifer of Olathe, Kansas. His memory will also be cherished by his daughter, Jocelyn Jacobs, and her partner Pat of Shawnee, Kansas; his cousin Jim Schmotz of Buena Vista, Colorado; nephew Greg Hart and his wife Vicky of Manhattan, Kansas; niece Dianne Hart of Bucyrus, Kansas; and great-grandnephew Gerald Hart and his wife Grace of Olathe, Kansas. Jerry's life was further enriched by his ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly.
Memorial services are thoughtfully planned to celebrate Jerry's remarkable life on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, at the Alden-Harrington Funeral Home. The family will greet friends from 10 am to 11 am, with the Memorial Service beginning at 11 am. A private family burial will take place later at Edwardsville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial contributions be made to the organizations that were close to Jerry's heart. The American Legion or the VFW.
American Legion
https://mylegion.org/personifyebusiness/Give/Donate-Online/Donate-Now?CashProductId=134418
VFW
https://heroes.vfw.org/page/21776/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=vfwhomepage&utm_source=homepage&utm_medium=button