Ronald A Knight

Ronald Allen Knight Sr., age 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep at The Pines ACC on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Kirksville, MO.

Ron was born on August 29, 1937 in Miami, AZ. He moved frequently as a child, before eventually settling in Globe, AZ and graduating from Globe High School in 1955. He later attended Brigham Young University, where he graduated with a BS degree in 1960 and a MS degree in 1962, both in Mathematics and Physics Education. He then went on to earn several other degrees, including a Doctorate of Philosophy, focused in Mathematics, from Oklahoma State University in 1971.

Ron taught at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (1965-1968) and at Truman State University for several decades where he was a beloved professor in the Mathematics Department, and eventually retired from teaching in 2007. He was also an active member in the Kirksville Rotary Club, serving in leadership positions and dedicated to giving back to his community.

Ron married Belle Arnold in the Salt Lake City Temple on April 5, 1961, for time and all eternity. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and service. They were blessed with 2 children: Ronald Allen Knight Jr. and Steven Michael Knight, seven grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ron also served faithfully in many callings and lived a life of quiet discipleship, always willing to lend a hand or comfort those in need. He had a kind and gentle spirit, a great sense of humor, a wonderful tenor singing voice, and a deep love for the scriptures.

Ron was published in several mathematical journals and loved traveling back west to Arizona- missing the rugged terrain (as evidenced by his decades long subscription to Arizona Highways magazine). He also enjoyed reading, especially Louis L’amour western thrillers, and was an avid documentarian who was accompanied by his trusty camera at every family occasion and school event.

Ron is survived by his children: Ronald Knight Jr. and Steve Knight, grandchildren: Charish Bishop, Brett Knight, Brittany Hernandez, Madison Dusing, Yonny Larin, Karen Mindez Vasquez, and Josalin Vasquez, great-grandchildren: Isaac Bishop, Lincoln Bishop, Marisol Hernandez, Abigail Bishop, Alice Bishop, Henry Hernandez, Sophia Burch, Jolene Dusing, Albert Dusing and Daniella Vasquez, sister: Barbara Wilson, and many cherished friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents Coy and Ruby Knight, his Brother Gary Knight, and his eternal sweetheart Belle (Arnold) Knight.

Directly following the viewing from 11am-1pm, funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 17, at 1:30pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Kirksville, MO located at 2000 Normal Avenue. Interment will follow at Highland Park Cemetery. Those wishing to attend remotely, can do so via zoom. Details below.

The family would like to thank the nursing home staff, doctors, caregivers, and ward members for their love and service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ‘Dr. Ronald A Knight Scholarship’ at Truman State University at www.giveonline.truman.edu.

Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/94401955641?pwd=TUMGcUNTOUdXOFZud-khzWCtacEUzUT09

Meeting ID: 944 0195 5641 Passcode: Kirksville