Thomas Lavern Mcknight

Tom entered into his earthly life in Buffalo, New York, on his mother's birthday, February 18, 1942. He went home to his Heavenly Father, January 16, 2011, from Rialto, California. Tom died of pancreatic cancer, sleeping peacefully, and surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lavern McKnight and Mary Biering McKnight. He is survived by his wife, Mary Annette, brothers Robert James McKnight (wife Pat), and Daniel Lee McKnight (wife Debbie). He is also survived by his sons Michael Thomas McKnight and Daniel James McKnight and a daughter Mary Lou (McKnight) Cantrell. Also surviving Tom, are his step-sons Phillip Edward Fryer (wife Katrina), George William Fryer, Jr., Gregory Martin Fryer, and Stephen Douglas Fryer. His grandchildren are Sgt. Stephen Douglas Fryer II (U.S.M.C.), Mason David Fryer, Amber Michele Fryer, and Amanda Danielle McKnight. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Gary Francis Schueller (wife Roxanne) and sister-in-law Loretta Anne Serrano (husband Danny). Also surviving Tom are many cousins, nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. Tom was a member of American Legion Post 422, in Rialto, Harley Owners Group, and American Legion Riders. His hobbies included riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, camping and trout fishing,and auto racing. He especially enjoyed NASCAR and Indy car races. He and his wife had season tickets to Auto Club Speedway in Fontana from 1997 to 2004. They also were able to attend the Indianapolis 500 in 2009 and 2010. In 2009, Tom fulfilled a dream and drove three laps around the famed race track in an Indy car. His wife, Mary, said "Happy Father's Day-go have fun". Tom and Mary also vacationed in June Lake, Ca., where they enjoyed camping and trout fishing, often meeting Mary's parents there. In 2008, they enjoyed a cruise to Cabo San Lucas with many friends from Post 422. Tom's funeral Mass is scheduled for Friday, February 18, 2011 at Our Lady Queen Catholic Cemetery in Colton, Ca. at 2:00 P.M. A celebration of Tom's life will be at the McKnight residence in Rialto, Ca. on Saturday, February 19, 2011 from 12:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital In Memphis, Tennessee, the American Cancer Society, or Charter Hospice in Colton, Ca.