Francis Eugene Knight, age 96, of Bloomington, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2022 at his residence. Born November 25, 1925 in Indianapolis, Indiana, he was the son of Walter Wood and Myrtle (Ogle) Knight. Francis graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, attended college classes at I.U.P.U.I in Indianapolis and Indiana Central College (now University of Indianapolis).
Francis served over three years in the U.S. Navy during W.W. II in anti-submarine warfare, harbor defense and aboard U.S.S. Connelly D.E. 306 discharged as a Sonar Man 3/C. The U.S.S. Connelly was the only ship hit with a Kamikaze on Friday, April 13, 1945 in Okinawa, while on radar picket station. Francis was re-called to the U.S. Navy in 1950 during the Korean War and served two years aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. Uhlmann DD 687 as leading sonar man on the anti-submarine warfare attack team. He was honorably discharged as Sonar man 2/C having earned several ribbons in the South Pacific area crossing the equator twice and the international dateline. He was also involved with the Japanese occupation after W.W. II ended. He was a life time member of the V.F.W. Post 7850 in Gosport, Indiana and a member of the American Legion Burton Woolery Post #18 in Bloomington.
He was a journeyman machinist, serving four years apprenticeship at N.Y.C. Railroad in Beech Grove, Indiana and retiring from Western Electric after 33 years where he wore several hats manufacturing telephones for A.T. &T. Working in machine maintenance, machine repair, machine construction (special machinery), experimental lab as model maker and the last 25 years as an Engineering Associate in cost reduction, and troubleshooting hydraulic problems in molding machines, production problems, outside purchase of machines and machine specifications. He was a Product engineer for all skill trades, all hand tools used in the manufacture of telephones. Francis was known as a workaholic and being very proud and privileged to serve on Destroyers during W.W. II and the Korean war in anti-submarine submarine warfare.
In his younger days, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also served as president for several terms of the Lake Holly Brook Community of Owen County and treasurer of the Bethel Lane Community Church. Francis was a lifetime member of the American Legion Burton Woolery Post #18 in Bloomington. He was an active member of the Bethel Lane Community Church.
Francis is survived by his wife, Shirley A. (Allender) Gott Knight, of Bloomington, his son, Marc A. Knight, of Ellettsville, one granddaughter, Jennifer S. (Jeremy) Kelley, one great-granddaughter, Emma Kelley and several nieces and nephews.
Francis was preceded in death by his first wife, Sybil Lucille (Jackson) Knight, daughter-in-law, Marilyn Knight, two brothers, Walter Knight, Jr. and William Knight and one sister in childhood, Ruth Knight.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 6 at 12 noon at the Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home; 4150 E. Third St. Friends may visit the family on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Burial will follow the service at the Bethel Lane Community Church Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com for the Knight family.
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