George D. Knight

George D. Knight, 85, of Quincy, IL, died at 10:45 a.m. Monday, September 8, 2025, at Good Samaritan Home in Quincy.

Born March 24, 1940, in Quincy, George was the son of George W. and Stella Opal (Wand) Knight. He was united in marriage to Joyce Ann Tolle on February 14, 1959. She survives.

George enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a ground-based crew chief on the AF-101-B Voodoo Interceptor. He was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana, and was honorably discharged in 1965.

A talented country western and ragtime piano player, George performed for many years, including several with the Missouri Troubadours. He later founded The Country Gentleman trio and played numerous shows throughout the region. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of Bodley Lodge #1 and the Scottish Rite, and an active member of American Legion Post #37 in Quincy.

George worked at Gardner Denver and Colt Industries before serving as an Adams County Deputy Sheriff for 23 years, retiring in 1995. He was also a member of the Police Benevolent and Protective Association of Illinois. His hobbies included music, hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycle touring, woodworking, and coin collecting.

In addition to his wife, Joyce, survivors include two stepdaughters, Tracey Gross of Hazelwood, MO, and Tammy Hogge of Quincy; a daughter-in-law, Dede Elder of Quincy; his grandchildren, Zach Yeakey of Seagoville, TX, Alex Yeakey and his wife Ali of Fredericksburg, VA, Michael Barber of Quincy, Lyndsey Brummell (Alex Henderson) of Asheville, NC, Eli and Ella Hogge of Quincy, Maria Elder, and Casey Jo Elder; and his great-grandchildren, Arlee Yeakey of Golden, IL, and Kellan and Emerson Yeakey of Fredericksburg, VA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepson, Jim Elder; and his special cousin, Judy Kurk of Lewistown, MO.

George was cremated. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 12, at Quincy Memorial Park. There will be no visitation, but friends are invited to attend the graveside service.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Blessing Foundation for Hospice, or Quincy American Legion Post #37.

Online condolences may be left at www.hamiltonfuneralhomes.net.