John R. Knight

He was born May 10, 1930 in Port Huron, MI, the son of George and Olivia Taylor Knight. He married Doris Fleck on October 10, 1951.

He proudly served his country in the Army during the Korean War, was a professional golfer on the PGA and the Senior's tour, winning the Springfield City Tournament three years in 1950 through 1953. He was inducted to the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. He graduated from the United States Trotting Association as a Presiding Judge and later owned and bred standard bred horses. He won the 35th annual Adios "Pace for the Orchids" in 2001with Pine Valley. He was a huge fan of University of Michigan football and served the program as an alumni recruiter for 20 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

He is survived by his son, David (wife, Brenda) of Washington, PA; two daughters, Nancy Knight Alexander of Springfield and Julie (husband, Tony) Knight Seman of Flowery Branch, GA; four grandchildren, Nicole Alexander of Springfield, Courtney Alexander of Raleigh, NC, Erika and Brandon Knight, both of Washington, PA; one sister, Hazel Domingo of Pittsburgh, PA; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

A memorial gathering will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Homes, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Memorial gathering will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield, with Rev. David Hoefler, celebrant.

Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.