John Henry

Knight

John Henry Knight, 83, of Skiatook, Oklahoma, passed away on November 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family following a battle with lung disease and heart failure.John was born July 10, 1943, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the son of E.T. Knight and Leona Lucille Stout Knight. He grew up in the Stillwater area and attended the country schools of Pleasant Hill and Sumner.In 1960, John proudly began his military service by joining the Oklahoma National Guard. The following year, he married his first wife, and together they had two children. In 1962, John transferred to the Kansas National Guard, where he continued to serve until 1967.In 1971, John began what would become a long and dedicated career with the railroad, working as a work equipment mechanic and machine operator. Over the years, he continued building his career and eventually served as a work equipment foreman until retiring from Union Pacific Railroad in 1996. In late January 1974, John met Patsy Ann Davis of Nowata, Oklahoma, who would become his best friend, loving partner, and the love of his life. Just 10 days after meeting, John and Pat were married in Fredonia, Kansas, on February 1, 1974. What began as a whirlwind courtship became a marriage and partnership that would span more than 52 years. With their union came the blessing of four wonderful children and the beginning of a new chapter for their family. In July 1975, they welcomed a child together, adding to the family and life they were building together. By the late 1970s, John and Pat had put down roots on their farm in Nowata. John worked alongside Pat on the farm while continuing his railroad career. For John, working hard and providing for his family were more than responsibilities. They were simply a way of life. After retiring from Union Pacific Railroad in 1996, John wasn't quite ready to stop working. He later worked for Nowata County and IUOE Local 627 while continuing to work the family farm and provide custom hay operations. Whether he was working on the railroad, operating heavy equipment, putting up hay, or tending to the farm, John was happiest when there was work to be done. John loved his coffee. Several pots a day were nothing unusual, for his family, the sight of John with a cup of coffee in his hand was simply part of who he was and will forever bring back memories of him.

John was preceded in death by his parents, E.T. and Lucille Knight; his brothers, George Knight of Mulhall, Oklahoma, and Oles Knight of Toronto, Kansas; and his son, Jason Knight of Nowata, Oklahoma.John leaves behind his devoted wife and partner of more than 52 years, Patsy Ann Knight; his children, John Henry Knight Jr. of Perry, Oklahoma; Susan Diane Howell and husband Ronald of Stillwater; Kelly Hausher and husband Alan of Collinsville,; and Patrick John Knight of Skiatook. He also leaves behind his beloved bonus daughter, Daphne Sutton of Owasso, Oklahoma. John is also survived by his brother, Ray Knight and wife Judy of Mulhall, Oklahoma; his sister, Grace Knight of Chanute, Kansas; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Peggy and Joe Calvert of Nowata; Linda Rush of Nowata, Claude and Linda Davis of Nowata; and Allen Davis of Skiatook. Also survived by his grandchildren, Tyson, Amber, Ian, Zachary, Mack, Joshua, Jessica, Jordan, Lindsay, Jacob, Tayler Ray, Petey, C.J., and Dallas; several great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. John leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family whose lives were shaped by the man he was. His work here is done, but his story will continue through the generations that follow. For those who knew him best, a freshly brewed pot of coffee may always bring a little bit of John back to mind.

Memorial services for John will be held on Saturday, Nov 14, 2026 at 10:00 am in the First Baptist Church, Nowata. His final resting place will be in the Claude Davis Cemetery. Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or the Benjamin Funeral Home Facebook page. Arrangements are under the direction of the Benjamin Funeral Service, 114 W. Cherokee, Nowata