S.T. "Tom" McKnight

Born on June 13, 1944, in Houston, Texas, S.T. grew up in Freeport before making Lake Jackson his lifelong home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Taylor McKnight and Margie Croft McKnight, and his nephew, Scott Sanders.

S.T. is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Peggy McKnight; his sons Scott (Katherine) McKnight and Ryan (Colleen) McKnight; his grandchildren, Madeline, Olivia, Charlotte, and Jack; his sister Jean Sanders (George); and his niece-in-law Diane Sanders. He is also lovingly remembered by Diane’s daughters, Brooke Mareschal (Max) with their children Isaac and Elise, and Megan Collins (Nick).

A man of deep faith, S.T. was a committed member of First Baptist Church Freeport and, later, First Baptist Church of Lake Jackson, where he found joy and fellowship. He attended Lamar University and Baylor University, though his graduate studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served honorably abroad and carried with him a lifelong pride in his service.

Following his military service, S.T. pursued an entrepreneurial career in the clothing and wholesale distribution industry. He founded Gulf Coast Sportswear and Brazos Sports, working alongside a team of colleagues he considered family. He served faithfully on the Board of Directors of Texas Gulf Bank, the Board of Directors of Brazosport Memorial Hospital (later named St. Luke's), and was ever present as a coach, mentor, and helper at all of his sons' many teams and clubs. He enjoyed building houses, growing businesses, and the peaceful rhythms of laboring in the yard and workshop.

His decades-long marriage to Peggy was the cornerstone of his time on earth; hers was the last face he remembered, hers the last name on his lips.

S.T.’s life was centered on his faith in the Lord and his deep love for his family. His kindness, integrity, and devotion to those around him will be dearly missed.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Lake Jackson (401 Yaupon St., Lake Jackson, TX 77566). Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Restwood Memorial Park (1038 W. Plantation Dr., Clute, TX 77531). A reception will follow at the Lake Jackson Civic Center (333 TX-332, Lake Jackson, TX 77566).