Franklin Knight

Franklin D. Knight, 78, of Cape Girardeau went home to His Heavenly Father on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau after an ongoing illness.

He was born Nov. 2, 1939, to Lester Bryan and Thecla Clara Westrich Knight in New Hamburg, Missouri, on the family farm. Both parents preceded him in death, as well as his brother, Lester Louis Knight, and brother-in-law, Curtis Clymer.

Frank had an amazing work ethic that began in his childhood working on the family farm and other area farms as a youngster and into his young adult years. He graduated from Illmo-Fornfelt High School in 1957, where he was an accomplished track runner, long- and high-jumper, boxer, baseball and basketball player. He was named "most illustrious student" as a senior. He continued to be an active member of community intermural sports (especially softball) well into his later life.

After working on the John I. Hayes barge-line upon graduation from high school, Frank was the epitome of a self-made man who put himself through multiple night courses to work for the following companies: Firestone Tire, Gaylor's Shoe Store, American Republic Insurance and finally KFVS12 TV, where he was employed from 1965 to 2000 when he retired as business manager. He and his wife also owned and/or built more than 37 residential properties while working full time, to supplement the family's income.

After serving in the Army National Guard and being stationed in California, he married the love of his life, Carol Sue Ervin, on March 8, 1963. She preceded him in death Sept. 8, 2017.

Surviving family members include two children, Derek Knight and Tracy (Jimmy) Lohmeier; and four grandchildren, David and Savannah Knight and J.B. and Caroline Lohmeier, all of Cape Girardeau. He also is survived by two sisters and one brother-in-law, Marian Clymer and Phyllis (Jerry) Schwab, all of Cape Girardeau; as well as four nieces and nephews, Mark (Pam) Blaylock of Cape Girardeau, Will (Jill) Blaylock of Eureka, Missouri, Jeffrey (Katie) Schwab of Marietta, Georgia, and Kelly (Scott) Drew of McGregor, Texas. He was also a proud great-uncle to 10 great-nieces and -nephews.

Frank was a faithful member of First General Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau from 1965 to 1999, where he was Sunday-school superintendent, church trustee, member of the adult choir and Sunday-school teacher. He was also a participant in over 10 years of "Freedom Celebration," a musical celebration of our country's freedom the church produced for years.

He joined Lynwood Baptist Church of Cape Girardeau in 1999, where he was a member until his death. He served there as an active FAITH ministry team member, deacon, member of the adult choir and member of the finance committee.

Frank loved his family and was very much a family man. He led by example and was the ultimate supportive father and husband. He coached several Little League baseball teams and led one of those teams to a city championship. He loved the outdoors, which was his favorite place to be if he weren't on the back porch swing or sitting by the fireplace. His favorite pastimes were fishing, hunting and cutting wood. He spent all of his free-time busy in the yard, taking Carol for rides in the country or with his son and best friend, Derek. Frank was an eternal optimist as a father and role model. One would never hear him say anything other than that he had a great day. For the last four years, he was the ultimate caregiver for his wife, a stroke victim. His optimism, despite their challenging circumstances, defined him as a man, devoted husband and faithful follower of Christ. He was an inspiration to many.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Lynwood Baptist Church, with a celebration of his life at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church as well. Graveside services will be held at Memorial Park, with Pastor Mark Anderson officiating and Ford and Sons in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations can be made in honor of Frank to Lynwood Baptist Church.