Junior E. Knight, 96, De Soto
Junior E. Knight, 96, De Soto died June 17, 2023, at Baisch Nursing Center in De Soto. Mr. Knight served in the U.S. Army for a year and a half and served in World War II as a Tech 5 Infantry. He also worked for Potts Industries at the St. Louis Shipyard for 30 years building barges and towboats. He was a talented woodworker and made furniture and home decor for friends, family and community members, signing the back of each piece with his name and a bible verse. He joined the church at 67 following a heart attack, becoming a member of First Baptist Church of De Soto where he served bereavement dinners, worked at the VBS and helped with senior luncheons. Born Jan. 22, 1927, in Ironton, he was the son of the late Blanche (Palm-er) and Evert Knight.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years: Lillian Mae (Canter) Knight; and his wife of 16 years: Jeanne Fern (Politte) Bliss Knight
He is survived by his daughter: Doris Hopper of Nashville, Tenn.; three grandchildren: Alessa Brakman and Danyelle (Craig) Dowling, both from Franklin, Tenn., and Mylinda (Joshua) Vol-let of Nashville, Tenn.; six great-grandchildren: Mason Scott, Chase and Gray Brakman, Kayleigh and Kinsley Vollet, and Zoe Dowling; three stepchildren: Wayne (Becky) Bliss of De Soto, Rhonda (Lance) Allen of Stilwell, Kan., and John (Cindy) Bliss of Imperial; seven step-grandchildren; 18 step-great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by a daughter: Dana Knight; and six siblings: Loren (Georgia), Jack (Johnny), Arnold and Norma Knight, Alma Jean (Robert) McLane and Hilda (Don) Hansen.
A visitation will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. followed by a funeral service on Saturday, July 1, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main, in De Soto, officiated by Rev. Gene Smith. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the De Soto Food Pantry, Social Service, 705 E. Stone St., De Soto, MO 63020. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.