Michael Duane Knight

Michael Duane Knight was born July 4 1947 to A.L. “Red” Knight and Wynelle Salmon Knight in Breckenridge Texas. Michael was a talented young boy on into his adulthood. As a child he loved sports; baseball and football, these were two he excelled in. He also participated in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts, earning many awards! At 17 years of age he dropped out of high school against his parents’ wishes and enlisted into the United States Army. After boot camp in Ft Polk Louisiana he was stationed in Ft Hood Texas. His first assignment as a MP in 1965 was at the Civil Right MLK, Jr March in Selma, Alabama. He toured many foreign lands before he went to Vietnam. He completed 2 tours within the years of 1967-1969. Earning many rankings and making E-7 Staff Sargent and 2 bronze stars for his service before being honorably discharged November 1970. Michael stayed active with the army serving in the Texas Army National Guard at Breckenridge and Abilene or some years.
Mike’s life career was made in the oil fields of Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico. Retiring in 2004 from the Railroad Commission of Texas of 23 years of service. He made many lifelong friends along the way. He also worked with the Jones County Sheriff’s office In Anson Texas part time for 10 years.
After retiring, Mike did some free-lance consulting work with few selected oil companies for a couple of years before he hung up his working hat for good!
During his retirement he filled his time with his wife, Lili and dog Sassy who was always by his side everywhere he went. He spent time watching grandkids ball games, programs, graduations, tinkering with old trucks, playing solitaire, watching John Wayne movies and collecting memorabilia.
Michael had many serious ongoing medical issues throughout his adult life. In March of 2020 Michael had a stroke that took his eyesight and some of his memory. His decline in physical and cognitive health continued gradually then quickly at the end. He never stopped fighting, he kept on going. Giving up wasn’t in his plans.
Mike married Lili Margaret Mc Donald in March 1984. They were married 38 years. Together they have a son, Keith Aaron Knight and wife Jennifer of Forney Texas. Michael’s children from previous marriages include; Michael Duane Knight. Jr, widow, Shelly Lynn Knight of Forney Texas, Mikea Nell Wills, and husband Preston Wills of Austin Texas, Tamatha Ann McKinney of Abilene, and Deanna Marie Knight of Breckenridge, Texas. Two previous Step children; Pam Chaney Smith of Lubbock Texas, and Gary and wife Samantha Chaney of Abilene Texas 13 grandkids and 7 great grand kids. Mike was a devoted son, brother, husband, Dad, Papa, and friend.
Michael also leaves behind his mother Wynelle Salmon Knight Young of Olney Texas, two brothers; Thomas and Sherry Knight of Graham, Texas, James and Linda Knight of Breckenridge and Sister Janice and husband Jimmy Senkel of Graham, Texas. Sister-in-laws, Kelly and Dave Benbrook of Arlington Texas, Sally and Mike Hebner of Abilene, Texas, and Amy and James Elliot of Stephenville Texas, many nieces, nephew, along with special life-long family friends Steve and Erin Steoker of Benbrook Texas.
Preceded in death are Michael’s father A.L. “Red “Knight, 1995, son Michael Knight, Jr. 2013, his grandparents both paternal and maternal , father-in-law Keith McDonald and mother-in-law, Margret McDonald and many aunts and uncles.