Dennis Dews Knight

Dennis F. Knight

Dennis was born on February 23, 1926 in Rockwall, Texas, to Dennis Knight and Ethel Coats.  He passed away on December 28, 2015 at a local hospital after a brief illness.

His father was a farmer and grew cotton near Seminole, TX.  Dennis finished high school in Gaines County Texas in 1943.  He joined the U.S. Navy during  WWII and served with distinction and bravery under enemy fire.  Dennis was honorably discharged from the Navy and began courses at Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico, where he graduated with a  bachelor’s degree and married Hazel Irene Thomas in 1952.  Dennis and wife, Hazel, bought a house in Seminole, TX where he went to work for Magnolia Oil Company.  In 1964 Hazel passed away and Dennis relocated to Utah where he attended Weber State University graduating with honors after majoring in business administration while working at Hill AFB; he stayed on there until he retired in the mid 1990s.

Dennis enjoyed square dancing with his partner Annabel Byrd who preceded him in death in 2012.  Dennis held office as a director of the National Square Dance Association Convention when it was held in Salt Lake City in 1973.  He was also appointed as a director of “Legacy,” which planned the square dance programs and procedures for future events for a number of years.  Dennis also enjoyed traveling, especially cruises.  Dennis was a member of the Utah Senior Legislature, Inc. for many years where he worked tirelessly on community projects to improve local infrastructure. 

Dennis was an avid investor and he made excellent choices at the stock market level where he made good financial decisions which paid off handsomely over the years.  He was very proud of his financial portfolio and he shared his good fortune by becoming a huge financial contributor to Weber State University and Highlands University as he had attended both schools and appreciated their approach to higher learning.

Dennis is survived by his son, Tim T. Knight Sr and daughter-in-law Sarah Knight of Peralta, NM; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his best friends, Mellisini Funiaki and husband Marvin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Hazel; son, Holley Edwin Knight; and his brother, Holley Knight.

Memorial Services will be held in Bosque Farms, NM at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to the family at:  knightsfantasy8@msn.com