Walter Edwin Knight

August 11, 1926, in Whitesboro, Texas, to John Calvin Knight and Anna Mae Green Knight.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 65 years Vera Ruth Jarrell Knight, and his children Kathy Durham and her husband Jim of Kennard, Texas, Patty Keklock and her husband Bruce of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Calvin Knight and his wife Ruby of Waco, Texas, Sherry Loudin and her husband Jeff of Belton, Texas, and Beth Smith and her husband Danny of Kansas City, Kansas. Also surviving Walter are his two loving sisters Marjorie Corbett of San Antonio and Ruth Corzine of Sherman.

One of Walter's greatest joys in life was spending time with his large family which included 15 grandchildren Heather Eatmon, Maureen Allison, Brandon Durham, Kevin Durham, Sarah Hammond, Jerrod Knight, Nathan Loudin, Travis Loudin, Melissa Brinlee, Jared Brinlee, Jason Brinlee, Spencer Knight, and Lauren Knight. He also had 15 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

Walter's dear family members preceding him in death include his beloved son and namesake Walter Knight Jr., one sister Madeline Rae, and two brothers Curtis Knight and Hubert Knight.

Walter attended schools in Whitesboro, Howe, Southmayd and Tom Bean. He continued his education while in the US Navy and after retirement attended Grayson County College and Southeastern University.

He spent his early years working on the family farm before he enlisted in the Navy in 1943 at the age of 17. Over his 30 year career, he served in WW II, the Korean War and two tours in Vietnam, progressing through ranks from Seaman to Commander, becoming Commanding Officer on the USS Askari. He retired as a highly decorated Naval Commander in 1975, at which time he returned home to Denison, Texas, with his family. During retirement, Walter continued to work, supervising the building of ocean going tugboats, managing his own Tom’s Peanuts Sales route, and working for Bay Chemical & Supply Company, all this while farming and helping neighbors and family wherever he saw a need.

Walter was an ordained Baptist deacon of 50 years, teaching Sunday school and Royal Ambassadors. As a member of Gideons International, he visited Chile and Romania, distributing Bibles and sharing his faith in Christ.

Walter loved fishing, hunting and golfing, all in the company of friends and family. He was known for his love of games, especially cards and dominoes.

To his wife and children he was provider and protector. To his grandchildren he was Papaw, a role model and true modern day hero. He will be greatly missed.

Service will be Tuesday, September 15th, at Bratcher Funeral Home Chapel in Denison, Texas, with visitation at 1:00 and the service beginning at 2:00. Pallbearers will be Walter's grandsons Brandon Durham, Kevin Durham, Jerrod Knight, Nathan Loudin, Travis Loudin, Jared Brinlee, and Spencer Knight. Burial will follow at Cherry Mound Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to his and Vera's church home, Cherry Mound Baptist Church.

Personal condolences may be made at www.bratcherfuneralhome.com