Thomas Ernest McKnight was born on August 22, 1937 at the Galloway Hospital in Anthony, Kansas.  He was the second son of Glenn Elbert and Vivian Mae (Mock) McKnight.  Tom attended school in Anthony and graduated from Anthony High School with the class of 1955.  Upon graduation, Tom enlisted in the United States Airforce.  He received the Air Force Longevity Service Award and Good Conduct Medal.  With the rank of Airman Second Class, Tom was Honorably Discharged on September 8, 1961.

On September 4, 1960, Tom and Rogene Davis were united in marriage in the United Methodist Church in Harper, Kansas.  They made their home in Wellington, Kansas.

Tom was a seismograph operator prior to being employed as a shoe salesman for JC Penney.  While in Wellington, Tom and Rogene had two children, Diane Lynn and Roger Curtis.

Tom was soon promoted through Penney's and the family moved to Wichita.  Another promotion and the family moved to Lawrence.  Tom was great at his job.  He was so great that his final transfer was to Kansas City, Missouri.  After leaving Penney's, Tom drove a truck for Pepsi Cola.

In 1972, Tom accepted a job at W.E. Jett Mercantile in Anthony.  Tom and Rogene were excited to move back to Harper County.  The kids were excited to be closer to all of their grandparents.

Tom and Rogene opened their own store in the late 70's.  McKnight's had menswear, men's shoes, and fabric.  Later Tom worked for Morrison Belting and the Anthony Coop.

Tom was an active member of the Anthony Kiwanis Club.  He held several offices during the years.  He enjoyed working with the youth of the community.  Tom was a longtime member of the Anthony United Methodist Church.  He was always available to help with any odd job that came his way.

In May of 2015, Tom moved into Apartment 12 at Heritage Estates in Harper.  He enjoyed his new life in Harper.  Recently, he was the only man living at Heritage with ten women.  He was fondly referred to as Rooster.  One Rooster in charge of ten hens!!

A decline in health required Tom to move into Wheatlands Health Care Center in Kingman, Kansas.  He made the best of every situation.  Tom made new friends with the residents and nurses.  This is where Tom passed away peacefully on March 9, 2024.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Rogene; his parents, Glenn and Bessie McKnight and Vivian and Dan Crandall; his in-laws, Erwin and Bertha Davis; and one brother, Richard McKnight.  He is survived by his daughter, Diane Miller and her husband, Vic of Rago, Kansas; his son, Roger McKnight and his wife, Carol of Wichita; grandchildren, Dr. Mariah Andrews and her husband, Dr. Rob Andrews of Olathe, Kansas  and Jaden Miller, his wife Zoe, and their son, Levi Thomas Miller of Salina, Kansas; Carol's daughters, Megan Bruggink and her husband Ryan, and their daughter Harper of Michigan and Heather Coleman of Arizona.  He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, the Davis families, and the Mock Families.

Funeral Service is 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 14, 2024 at the Harper United Methodist Church with Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating.  Interment follows at the Fairview Cemetery, south of Danville, Kansas with Military Honors provided by McConnel Air Force Base.

Memorials may be made to Heritage Estates or Harper United Methodist Church and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas 67058